What is the terrestrial atmosphere

The Earth’s atmosphere is the gaseous layer surrounding the Earth. This gaseous layer is essential for life on Earth because, in addition to containing the gases necessary for life, it protects the planet’s surface from harmful solar radiation and regulates the temperature at the surface.

Composition of the terrestrial atmosphere

The Earth’s atmosphere is composed mainly of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and other gases, such as argon, carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Structure of the terrestrial atmosphere

The structure of the Earth’s atmosphere is made up of several layers, each with unique characteristics and properties.

Troposphere

The layer closest to the surface is the troposphere, which reaches up to about 10 km in altitude. It is where most meteorological phenomena occur.

Stratosphere

This is followed by the stratosphere, which reaches up to about 50 km altitude. Within the stratosphere is the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from excess ultraviolet radiation.

Mesosphere

Next comes the mesosphere, which reaches up to 90 km altitude. The next layer is the thermosphere, which reaches up to 400 km. It is characterized by a composition formed by ionized gases.

Exosphere

The last layer is the exosphere, which reaches up to 580 km, at which point outer space is reached.

Atmospheric model

An atmospheric model is a mathematical and computational representation that allows the processes and behaviors of the atmosphere to be simulated. Atmospheric models use equations based on physics, chemistry and gas dynamics to predict variables such as temperature, pressure, humidity and the movement of air masses at different altitudes and regions of the planet. By incorporating observed data and applying physical laws, atmospheric models help to understand and anticipate phenomena such as weather, the formation of atmospheric fronts, storms or abrupt changes in meteorological conditions.

Importance of the terrestrial atmosphere

The study of the Earth’s atmosphere is crucial to understanding climate and meteorology. Scientists use very sophisticated simulation models and observations to understand how the atmosphere works.

The online simulations of the Earth’s atmosphere on this page are a good model of the behavior of the Earth’s atmosphere, very useful to understand it better. Try them, they will help you for sure!