Nadia Hawa
Topich
Chemistry & Society
December 9, 2015
The Atmosphere
The atmosphere is a very important resource to the earth as a protector, provider,
and balancer of various elements. It is sectioned off into 5 layers. The layers include the
troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and the exosphere. All three layers
are unique and proses different qualities that serve different purposes. The troposphere
contains most weather, as well as temperature changes (with the temperature decreasing
the higher you go). The troposphere also contains most pressure and at its highest has a
temperature of about -59 degrees Celsius. The second layer of the atmosphere is the
stratosphere. This layer acts as somewhat of an extension of the troposphere as it remains
as a -56 degree Celsius temperature. It also does not have any water vapor, has little to no
air currents, and is about 9 miles long. The stratosphere does however contain a very
important protective component, and that is ozone (O3), that protects the earth and its
inhabitants from ultra violet radiation emitted by the sun. Then comes the mesosphere,
the center layer of the atmosphere. This layer of the atmosphere gets colder as the height
increases, and is the coldest layer. Meteors also dissolve in this layer. The largest layer of
the atmosphere is the thermosphere. This layer contains the aurora lights as well as the
orbiting International Space Station. It is very low in pressure as well as density. The
higher you go in the thermosphere, the hotter it becomes. This is due to solar activity and
the increase in such. Lastly is the exosphere, the outmost layer of the atmosphere.
Because this layer is so far out, it is exact beginning and end is not distinguishable. The
atoms in this layer are scattered and scarce.
The atmosphere has its own characteristics and has its own regulatory system.
However, with mankind’s exponential use of fossil fuels, and the great emissions we’re
putting out into the air is starting to deteriorate our atmosphere. Due to the emissions of
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a nonflammable and nontoxic chemical found in aerosol
sprays, refrigerants, and many other items, break down the ozone layer, making it easier
for the suns ultraviolet rays to pay through, thus creating an increase in the earths surface
temperature. Also, Carbon dioxide emissions through the burning of fossil fuels are being
trapped as greenhouse gases and are polluting the air and also raising the temperature of
the earth. If we do not change these habits of consumption, we are sure to raise the earths
temperature rapidly, and significantly. This will endanger a number of species, including
our own, not to mention that it will shift ecosystems and environments. If we do not
change our methods of obtaining resources, we will surely destroy our atmosphere and
thus destroy ourselves. The burning of fossil fuels is most definitely the cause of climate
change. We need to start considering new renewable ways of creating resources and
fueling our modern world. The atmosphere is our most formidable ally, and we must
protect it.