The Importance of the atmosphere Lies in that it acts as a filter preventing the sun's rays and other harmful cosmic rays from reaching Earth.
The atmosphere is a gaseous layer that envelops the Earth. The atmosphere, together with the heat that comes from the sun, are the two elements that make life possible on Earth. It is formed by a series of superposed concentric layers, each with its own characteristics.
The lowest layer of the atmosphere, called the troposphere, is formed by the air we breathe. Air contains the essential gases for our life: 21% of oxygen, 78% of nitrogen And a smaller percentage of other gases. In the troposphere also occur the meteorological phenomena (rain, winds, etc.).
Between the atmosphere and the earth's surface there is a continuous exchange of heat through the air currents, evaporation and condensation of water vapor.
In this way, any alteration of the atmosphere could have serious consequences in the different forms of life of the terrestrial surface.
Why is the atmosphere important?
The basic importance of the atmosphere is its role as a basic element in preserving life on Earth; But it is also very important for other reasons:
1- Protection against the sun's rays
The ozone layer protects life on earth from the harmful effects that excess solar rays can have.
2- Filter of the solar radiation
The first leak occurs 88 kilometers from the Earth's surface, where the atmosphere absorbs X-rays and some ultraviolet radiation.
When entering dense layers of the atmosphere, the process of diffuse reflection (Ralleigh scattering) is produced which deflects the visible rays of light giving the sky its blue color.
3- It allows climates
The troposphere is the layer of the atmosphere that allows the existence of the climate. Without it we would not have the rains and many life cycles could not function properly.
4 - Allows radio waves to circulate
The ionosphere allows the transmission of radio waves. The short waves are reflected in the layer of Appleton (150-220 km) and long waves in the one of Kennely-Heaviside (90-135 km).
5- Temperature balance
The atmosphere also thermally balances the earth's surface. Through the atmospheric circulation, mechanisms are put in place that balance the thermal and pressure differences that occur on the different latitudes of the earth.
6- It allows the changes of station
Atmospheric pressure, ie the weight exerted by the different atmospheric layers on the earth's surface, is the main cause of the formation of different air masses with different properties that give dynamism to the atmosphere and cause Changes in climate , Causing seasonal changes, storms, cyclones, hurricanes and droughts.
7- Protect life on Earth
The atmospheric imbalance endangers life on Earth: the increase in the proportion of Contaminants in the atmosphere , Especially chlorine gases, called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), cause the process of oxygen decomposition and the creation of ozone in the atmosphere to be altered.
These gases contribute to the production of a hole in the atmospheric ozone layer, which in turn increases the proportion of solar rays that come into contact with the Earth's surface.
Layers of the atmosphere
The troposphere
It is the closest part to the terrestrial surface, with a thickness of approximately 10 km at the poles and 16 km in Ecuador.
About a fifth of the troposphere is made up of oxygen, approximately the other four-fifths of a gas called nitrogen and the rest are argon, carbon dioxide, and small amounts of other gases.
The upper part of the troposphere is called the tropopause and there is not enough oxygen in it to living beings Can survive.
The stratosphere
It is located just above the tropopause, and has a thickness of approximately 35 kilometers. This layer contains a gas called ozone, which is related to oxygen. Ozone forms a layer that acts as a protective shield around the Earth.
Sunlight contains strong ultraviolet rays that can be harmful to living things. Fortunately, the ozone layer prevents most of these rays from reaching Earth.
The Mesosphere
Between the 50 km and 80 km from the crust of the Earth is the mesosphere. Here there is a sudden change in atmospheric temperature.
The ionosphere
It is the highest layer of the atmosphere, where there is very little atmospheric pressure. It disappears approximately 1600 kilometers from the earth's surface and gradually merges with the emptiness of space.
References
- Segarra, Lluís (2000): The Atmosphere. Active Elementary School Encyclopedia. Barcelona: Ocean.
- Blanco, María Eugenia (2000): The dangers of air pollution. Segarra, Lluís (2000): The Atmosphere. Active Elementary School Encyclopedia. Barcelona: Ocean.
- Orovitz, Jorge (2000): Atmospheric circulation. Segarra, Lluís (2000): The Atmosphere. Active Elementary School Encyclopedia. Barcelona: Ocean.
- Orovitz, Matías (2000): The atmospheric pressure. Segarra, Lluís (2000): The Atmosphere. Active Elementary School Encyclopedia. Barcelona: Ocean
- Aguirre, Gisela and others (2007): Atmosphere and hydrosphere. Tricolor School Library, Volume 2: Universal and Latin American Geography. Carcas: Editorial Planeta.
- Bronkhorst, Martin et al. (1995):"What is in the atmosphere?". Young Scientists, Volume 1 Planet Earth . Chicago: World Book Inc.
- Milne, Annabel and others (1995):"What is the Earth formed?". Young Scientists, Volume 1 Planet Earth . Chicago: World Book Inc.