Question

Describe the two divisions of the atmosphere on the basis of composition.

Short answer

The atmosphere is divided into two based on composition. The homosphere is the lower layer where gases are well mixed and spans from the earth's surface to about 100 km above sea level. The heterosphere is the higher layer where gases are layered by their weight; it starts from about 100 km above sea level and extends outwards to space.

Step-by-step solution

Describe the Homosphere

The homosphere is the lower layer of the atmosphere where the gases are well mixed; these include oxygen, nitrogen, and argon. This division spans from the earth's surface to about 100 km above sea level.

Describe the Heterosphere

The heterosphere is the higher layer of the atmosphere where the gases are layered by their weight; the heavier gases like oxygen and nitrogen are closer to the earth while lighter gases like helium and hydrogen are on top. This division starts from about 100 km above sea level, where the homosphere ends and extends outwards into space.

Key concepts

Exploring the Homosphere

The homosphere is the innermost layer of Earth's atmosphere, which is characterized by a relatively uniform composition of gases. This layer extends from the planet's surface up to an altitude of approximately 100 kilometers (km) above sea level, marking an area where the atmospheric gases are well mixed due to the turbulent mixing caused by weather phenomena.

In this layer, nitrogen (\( N_2 \)) makes up about 78%, oxygen (\( O_2 \)) about 21%, and argon (\( Ar \)), along with other trace gases like carbon dioxide (\( CO_2 \)) and neon, make up the remaining 1%. For students, understanding the homosphere is crucial, as it's the layer where all Earth's weather takes place and where life as we know it is possible.

Understanding the Heterosphere

Above the homosphere is the heterosphere, comprising the upper layers of the atmosphere starting from around 100 km above sea level and extending to the edges of the atmosphere into space. In this region, gases are not mixed evenly due to the lesser influence of turbulence and the gradual decrease in atmospheric density with altitude.

Instead, gases layer according to their molecular weight, with heavier gases like oxygen and nitrogen closer to the Earth, and much lighter gases such as helium (\( He \)) and hydrogen (\( H \)) found at higher altitudes. Students should note that the heterosphere is also the region where auroras occur—those beautiful light displays in high-latitude skies caused by solar particles interacting with atmospheric gases.

Deciphering Atmospheric Layers

While learning about the homosphere and heterosphere, it's also important to grasp the concept of atmospheric layers. These are stratified sections of the atmosphere, each with unique temperature profiles and characteristics.

The troposphere is the lowest layer, where the weather happens and temperature decreases with altitude. Above it lies the stratosphere, home to the ozone layer, where temperature increases with height. Beyond that, the mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere each play roles in filtering solar radiation, facilitating communications, and transitioning into outer space respectively. To absorb this information effectively, students should visualize the atmosphere as a multi-layered cake, with each 'layer' playing a distinct role in atmospheric processes.

Gas Composition in the Atmosphere

Focusing on gas composition, Earth's atmosphere is a mixture of various gases that are essential for life and climatic regulation. Nitrogen and oxygen are the primary constituents, as mentioned, but trace gases like carbon dioxide, methane (\( CH_4 \)), ozone (\( O_3 \)), water vapor, and others are also present.

Despite their small concentration, these trace gases have a significant impact on the Earth's climate and the greenhouse effect. Students should pay special attention to the role of carbon dioxide and methane as these are potent greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. Remember, it's the balance of these gases in the atmosphere that keeps our planet habitable, which underscores the importance of understanding atmospheric composition and the effects of human activities on it.