Name: __________________________________
Date: ________
Period: __________
Ch 17.1: Layers of the Atmosphere Activity
Directions:
1.
Table 1 contains the average temperature readings at various altitudes in the Earth’s
atmosphere. Plot this data on the graph and connect adjacent points with a smooth
curve. Be careful to plot the negative temperature numbers correctly.
2. On the graph also label the 4 layers of the atmosphere with horizontal lines indicating
where the boundaries are for each layer. (troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, &
thermosphere)
3. Sketch symbols of the characteristics of the atmosphere onto the correct layers:
 Aurora Borealis - 90 to 300 km
 Airplane - 12 km
 Where you live- 0 km
 Meteors- 50 to 80 km
 Birds - 6 to 8 km
 Hot air balloon- 5 to 7 km
 Mt. Everest- up to 12 km
 Clouds- up to 16 km
 Ozone Layer- 20 to 30 km O-O-O
Questions:
1. Does temperature increase or decrease with altitude in the:
a. Troposphere: _________________
b. Stratosphere: _________________
c.
Mesosphere: __________________
d. Thermosphere: ________________
2. What causes the temperature to increase with height in the stratosphere?
_________________________________________________________________________
3. Weather occurs in what layer? ____________________________
4. Propeller aircraft and commercial jets fly in what layer? ______________________
5. Meteors generally burn up in what layer? _________________________
6. Auroras occur in what layer? ______________________
7. The troposphere is the only layer in which humans can live without using special
equipment for existence. Why?
8. The ozone layer is found in what layer? ___________________
9. What layer is the coldest layer? ____________________
Table 1
Average Temperature Readings at Various Altitudes
Altitude (km)
0
5
10
12
20
25
30
35
40
45
48
Temp (°C)
15
-18
-49
-56
-56
-51
-46
-37
-22
-8
-2
Altitude (km)
52
55
60
65
70
75
80
84
92
95
100
Temp (°C)
-2
-7
-17
-33
-54
-65
-79
-86
-86
-81
-72