The atmosphere is composed of different gases, including nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), argon (0.93%), carbon dioxide (0.04%) and other trace gases such as neon, helium, methane, and ozone. The composition of the atmosphere varies with altitude, as the density of gases decreases as altitude increases.
When we move up in altitude from sea level, the air pressure decreases, and the concentration of the gases in the atmosphere also changes. At higher altitudes, the air is thinner, and the concentration of oxygen and other gases decrease. For example, at an altitude of around 10 kilometers, the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere is around 14%, compared to 21% at sea level.
Moreover, the layers of the atmosphere differ in temperature, pressure, and composition. The troposphere, which is the lowest layer and where weather occurs, is where most of the Earth's mass of air is concentrated, and as altitude increases, the temperature decreases. The stratosphere, above the troposphere, has higher concentrations of ozone, which helps protect us from harmful ultraviolet radiation. The mesosphere and thermosphere are higher up and become increasingly thin, with low concentrations of gases. These changes in composition and altitude of the atmosphere have significant impacts on the Earth's weather, climate, and the ability of humans and other living organisms to survive.
Atmosphere composition and altitude
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