Question

(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

(a) The primary basis for the division of the atmosphere into different regions is the variation in temperature with altitude. (b) The regions of the atmosphere and their altitude intervals are: - Troposphere (0-8 to 15 km) - Stratosphere (15-50 km) - Mesosphere (50-85 km) - Thermosphere (85-600 km) - Exosphere (600-10,000 km)

Step-by-step solution

Part (a) - Primary Basis for Division of Atmosphere

The primary basis for the division of the atmosphere into different regions is the variation in temperature with altitude. In other words, different atmospheric regions have distinct temperature profiles characterized by either increasing or decreasing temperature with increasing altitude.

Part (b) - Name and Altitude Interval of Atmospheric Regions

The atmosphere is divided into five main regions based on their temperature profiles. These regions and their altitude intervals are as follows: 1. Troposphere: The troposphere is the lowest region of the atmosphere and extends from the Earth's surface to an altitude of about 8 to 15 kilometers (km) depending on the location (higher at the equator, lower at the poles). The temperature in the troposphere decreases with increasing altitude. 2. Stratosphere: The stratosphere lies above the troposphere, ranging in altitude from approximately 15 km to 50 km. In this region, the temperature increases with increasing altitude. This is primarily due to the presence of ozone, which absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun, heating the stratosphere. 3. Mesosphere: Above the stratosphere, the mesosphere extends from around 50 km to 85 km in altitude. The temperature in the mesosphere decreases with increasing altitude. This is the region where meteors burn up due to atmospheric friction. 4. Thermosphere: The thermosphere is located above the mesosphere and ranges in altitude from approximately 85 km to 600 km. In this region, temperature increases with increasing altitude. The thermosphere contains the ionosphere, where the Earth's atmosphere is ionized by solar radiation. 5. Exosphere: The exosphere is the outermost region of the Earth's atmosphere, extending from about 600 km to the edge of space (around 10,000 km). The exosphere is characterized by very low-density particles that gradually merge with the solar wind. The concept of temperature is not well-defined in the exosphere due to the low density of particles. In summary: - Troposphere (0-8 to 15 km) - Stratosphere (15-50 km) - Mesosphere (50-85 km) - Thermosphere (85-600 km) - Exosphere (600-10,000 km)