Layers of the Atmosphere
Crossword Puzzle
Across:
Down:
1. This layer extends from the top of the
mesosphere up to about 600 kilometers
(373 miles) above the Earth. It is
characterized by a very high temperature
that increases with altitude due to this layer
being home to the Northern and Southern
Lights (also known as the auroras), which
are caused by the interaction of solar
particles with the Earth's magnetic field.
2. This layer extends from the top of the
troposphere up to about 50 kilometers (30
miles) above the Earth; characterized by a
relatively stable temperature that increases
with altitude due to this layer containing the
ozone layer, which absorbs ultraviolet (UV)
radiation from the Sun and helps to regulate
the temperature of the Earth.
3. The lowest layer of the atmosphere,
extending from the Earth's surface up to
about 8-15 kilometers (5-9 miles) above the
Earth. It is the layer where we live and
where weather occurs.
4. The outermost layer of the atmosphere,
extending from the top of the thermosphere
up to the edge of space. It is very thin and
is composed mostly of hydrogen and
helium.
5. This layer extends from the top of the
stratosphere up to about 85 kilometers (53
miles) above the Earth. The temperature in
this layer decreases with altitude, and it is
too cold for most clouds to form.