by Danna Martínez
With 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other gases, the atmosphere is responsible for protecting the Earth and the beings that inhabit it.
The word atmosphere comes from the words atmos and sphaira. The Greek word atmos refer to steam. On the other hand, the term sphaira means sphere or ball.
The atmosphere is the layer of gases that surrounds a planet or celestial body. The Earth, the stars, and even the greenhouses have their own atmosphere. It is made up of different types of gases. These include nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, neon, and hydrogen. According to the NatGeo website, “Earth’s atmosphere extends from the planet’s surface to 10,000 kilometers (6,214 miles) above. After that, the atmosphere merges with space.”
An example of an atmosphere is ozone. The ozone layer works like a bubble of potent molecules. This is responsible for filtering direct radiation from the sun.
The Earth’s atmosphere is the gaseous part of the Earth. It is also the least dense and outermost part of the planet. This layer is kept close to the Earth’s surface thanks to the gravitational force of the Earth. According to NASA, “Earth’s atmosphere has five main layers and several secondary layers. From the smallest to the largest, the main layers are the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.” These layers vary according to their composition, density, and temperature.
Life on Earth would not be possible without the atmosphere. Its fundamental mission is to cover and protect the bodies. However, the atmosphere provides vital elements and nutrients such as oxygen and water. It also regulates extreme temperatures and excessive radiation from the sun.
The atmosphere fulfills multiple functions that are not so widely recognized today. The atmosphere slows down and disintegrates potentially dangerous space bodies heading for Earth. In addition, it causes essential phenomena such as rain. And as if that weren’t enough, the gases in the atmosphere also color our scenic sky.
We are in constant touch with the atmosphere. We only need to feel the air or the sun’s rays on our skin.
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