(a) What is the primary basis for the division of the atmosphere into different regions? (b) Name the regions of the atmosphere, indicating the altitude interval for each one.

Short Answer

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(a) The primary basis for the division of the atmosphere into different regions is temperature variation, caused by absorption of solar radiation energy by different gases and altitude. (b) The regions of the atmosphere and their altitude intervals are as follows: 1. Troposphere: \(6-8 \; km\) (poles) and \(16-18 \; km\) (equator) 2. Stratosphere: \(10-18 \; km\) (poles) and \(50 \; km\) (equator) 3. Mesosphere: \(50-85 \; km\) 4. Thermosphere: \(85-600 \; km\) 5. Exosphere: \(600-10,000 \; km\)

Step by step solution

01

(a) Primary Basis for Division of Atmosphere

To understand the primary basis for dividing the atmosphere into different regions, several factors need to be considered, such as temperature, air pressure, and the presence of specific gases. Among these factors, temperature variations play a critical role in determining the layers of the atmosphere. These temperature variations happen due to the absorption of solar radiation energy by different gases and the altitude at which these gases are present in the atmosphere.
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(b) Regions of the Atmosphere and Altitude Intervals

The atmosphere is divided into five main regions according to the temperature gradient. Each region has a specific altitude interval: 1. Troposphere: This is the layer where weather occurs and where life on earth generally exists. The altitude intervals for the troposphere vary depending on the location: a. \(6-8 \; km\) (20,000 - 26,000 ft) at the poles b. \(16-18 \; km\) (52,000 - 59,000 ft) at the equator 2. Stratosphere: The second layer of the atmosphere is home to the ozone layer, which protects the earth from harmful solar radiation. The altitude interval for the stratosphere is between: a. \(10-18 \; km\) (33,000 - 59,000 ft) at the poles b. \(50 \; km\) (164,000 ft) at the equator 3. Mesosphere: This layer of the atmosphere is where meteors burn up upon entering the earth's atmosphere. The altitude interval for the mesosphere is approximately: a. \(50-85 \; km\) (164,000 - 279,000 ft) 4. Thermosphere: This layer has a rapid increase in temperature due to solar radiation absorbed by the upper atmosphere. The altitude interval for the thermosphere is approximately: a. \(85-600 \; km\) (279,000 - 1,000,000 ft) 5. Exosphere: The outermost layer of the atmosphere, it eventually merges into space. The altitude interval for the exosphere is approximately: a. \(600-10,000 \; km\) (1,000,000 - 6,000,000 ft)

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