You're correct in that Earth's atmosphere is divided into layers, each with distinct characteristics and altitudes. Here’s a brief overview of these layers in order from lowest to highest altitude:
-
Troposphere: This is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, extending from the surface up to about 8 to 15 kilometers (5 to 9 miles) high. Weather phenomena occur here, and it contains most of the atmosphere's mass.
-
Stratosphere: Above the troposphere, the stratosphere extends from about 15 kilometers (9 miles) to about 50 kilometers (31 miles) in altitude. It contains the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation.
-
Mesosphere: The mesosphere is located above the stratosphere and extends from about 50 kilometers (31 miles) to 85 kilometers (53 miles) in altitude. It is where temperatures decrease with altitude, and this layer is where meteors burn up upon entering the Earth’s atmosphere.
-
Thermosphere: Above the mesosphere, the thermosphere extends from about 85 kilometers (53 miles) to around 600 kilometers (373 miles) high. Temperatures can reach up to 2,500 °C (4,500 °F) or higher due to the absorption of intense solar radiation. This layer is also where the auroras occur and where the International Space Station orbits.
-
Exosphere: The exosphere is the outermost layer of the atmosphere, beginning around 600 kilometers (373 miles) and extending out to about 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles) into space. It is where the atmosphere transitions into space, and it contains very thin air, primarily hydrogen and helium.
So, in summary, the order from lowest to highest altitude is: Troposphere → Stratosphere → Mesosphere → Thermosphere → Exosphere.