Earths Atmosphere

The gaseous envelope surrounding the earth is called atmosphere. The atmosphere is bound to earth by gravitational attraction. The earths atmosphere is divided into different layers as shown in the fig. These layers have no sharp boundaries as such. It spreads upto 400 km above the earths surface. It consists of different gases like N2, O2, CO2, hydrocarbons, dust particles, smoke and water vapours. The density of air in atmosphere decreases with increase in height from earths surface. It helps in propagation of electromagnetic waves from one place to another place. Troposphere This layer is present upto height 12 km from earths surface. It consists of all the water vapours (the density varies from 1 kg/m3 to 0.1 kg/m3 and temperature falls with height from 290 K to 200 K). This layer reflects the waves of frequency ranging from 100 MHz to 300 MHz. The electromagnetic waves of F.M. transmitter and TV transmitter can be propogated through this layer. Stratosphere This layer lies between 12 km to 50 km from earths surface. The important part of stratosphere is ozone layer, which lies between 30 km to 50 km. It absorbs large amount of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and protects life on the earth from its dangerous effect. Mesosphere

This layer of atmosphere lies between 50 km to 80 km above the earths surface. Ionosphere This layer lies between 80 km to 400 km above the earths surface. This is the outermost layer of atmosphere and receives maximum energy from the Sun. Due to this high energy from the Sun and very low pressure, the gas molecules in the ionosphere are ionized. Hence concentration of electrons and positive ions is very large. Hence this layer is called ionosphere. The temperature of the layer between 80 km to 110 km varies from 180 K to 700 K. This high temperature region is called thermosphere. Beyond thermosphere there is a high density layer of electrons which is called Kennelly Heavy side layer (E Layer). At the end of this region the electron density suddenly falls to zero. Again at height 250 km, there is a highly concentrated electron layer which is known as Appleton layer (F layer). Thus ionosphere consists of three main layers such as thermosphere, Kennelly Heavy side layer (E layer) and Appleton layer (F layer). The ionized gas reflects radio waves of certain frequency. Radio waves reflected from ionosphere by single or multiple reflections can reach larger distances. The E-layer reflects medium frequency radio waves which is ineffective during night. Keep on visiting www.ednexa.com for more information -Team Ednexa