Learn
Games

7.4.3 - Mesosphere

Interactive Audio Lesson

Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.

Introduction to Mesosphere

Unlock Audio Lesson

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson

Teacher
Teacher

Today, we’ll explore the mesosphere. Can anyone tell me where the mesosphere is located in the atmosphere?

Student 1
Student 1

Is it above the stratosphere?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! It lies between the stratosphere and the thermosphere, typically from about 50 km to 80 km above the Earth's surface.

Student 3
Student 3

What happens to temperatures as we go up into the mesosphere?

Teacher
Teacher

Good question! The temperatures decrease as we ascend, reaching around -100°C at its peak, known as the mesopause. Remember 'M for Mesosphere, M for Minus temperatures'! This is a useful mnemonic to remember.

Student 2
Student 2

Why is that significant?

Teacher
Teacher

The decreasing temperatures are crucial for various atmospheric processes. Let’s summarize. The mesosphere is above the stratosphere, has decreasing temperatures, and extends from about 50 km to 80 km.

Role of Mesosphere in Atmospheric Dynamics

Unlock Audio Lesson

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson

Teacher
Teacher

Let's dive deeper into the significance of the mesosphere. Can anyone think of a phenomenon that occurs in the mesosphere?

Student 4
Student 4

I’ve heard that meteors burn up there when they enter the atmosphere.

Teacher
Teacher

Yes, exactly! This is crucial because it protects the Earth from meteorite impacts. You can remember this with the phrase 'Meteors Melt in the Mesosphere' for easier recall.

Student 1
Student 1

Are there weather patterns affected by the mesosphere?

Teacher
Teacher

While most weather occurs in the troposphere, the mesosphere does influence dynamics. For instance, mesospheric winds can affect the movement of storm systems. Let’s recap: meteors burn up here and it can affect atmospheric dynamics.

Comparing Atmosphere Layers

Unlock Audio Lesson

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Lesson

Teacher
Teacher

We've talked about the stratosphere and the mesosphere. How do they compare in terms of temperature and function?

Student 2
Student 2

I think the stratosphere is warmer because of the ozone layer.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which absorbs UV radiation, warming that layer. We use 'S for Stratosphere, S for Solar absorption' to remember.

Student 3
Student 3

So, does that make the mesosphere the coldest?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! The mesosphere is the coldest atmospheric layer due to decreasing temperatures with altitude. Summarizing, the stratosphere warms due to ozone, whereas the mesosphere cools significantly.

Introduction & Overview

Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.

Quick Overview

This section introduces the mesosphere, its significance within the atmosphere's structure, and the characteristics that define this layer.

Standard

The mesosphere, situated above the stratosphere, extends from 50 km to 80 km above the Earth's surface and is characterized by decreasing temperatures with increasing altitude, reaching temperatures as low as -100°C. This section explores the importance of the mesosphere, including its role in meteorological phenomena.

Detailed

Mesosphere Overview

The mesosphere is the third layer of the Earth's atmosphere, situated above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere, extending from approximately 50 km to 80 km above the Earth's surface.

Temperature Characteristics

In the mesosphere, temperatures decrease with altitude, reaching their lowest point around -100°C near the upper boundary, the mesopause. This cooling effect is significant as it contributes to the temperature profile of the atmosphere.

Importance of the Mesosphere

The mesosphere plays a critical role in the overall atmospheric dynamics and is associated with various meteorological and astronomical phenomena. For example, it is the layer where most meteors burn up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere, highlighting its importance in protecting the planet from space debris.

In summary, the mesosphere is crucial for understanding atmospheric science, including temperature variations and meteorological events, which directly impact our climate.

Youtube Videos

Composition and Structure of Atmosphere - Full Chapter Explanation | Class 11 Geography Chapter 8
Composition and Structure of Atmosphere - Full Chapter Explanation | Class 11 Geography Chapter 8
Composition and Structure of Atmosphere - Chapter 8 Geography NCERT Class 11
Composition and Structure of Atmosphere - Chapter 8 Geography NCERT Class 11
Structure of the Atmosphere - Air | Class 7 Geography
Structure of the Atmosphere - Air | Class 7 Geography
Composition and Structure of Atmosphere FULL CHAPTER | Class 11 Geography |NCERT | Chapter 7
Composition and Structure of Atmosphere FULL CHAPTER | Class 11 Geography |NCERT | Chapter 7
The Layers Of Atmosphere | Air and Atmosphere | What is Atmosphere | Earth 5 Layers
The Layers Of Atmosphere | Air and Atmosphere | What is Atmosphere | Earth 5 Layers
Structure of Atmosphere | Composition and Structure of Atmosphere | Class 11 Geography Chapter 7
Structure of Atmosphere | Composition and Structure of Atmosphere | Class 11 Geography Chapter 7
Class 11 Geography Chapter 8 | Composition and Structure of Atmosphere - Introduction
Class 11 Geography Chapter 8 | Composition and Structure of Atmosphere - Introduction
Layers of the Atmosphere | What is Atmosphere | Animation
Layers of the Atmosphere | What is Atmosphere | Animation
Atmosphere | Composition and Structure of Atmosphere | Class 11 Geography Chapter 7 | CBSE
Atmosphere | Composition and Structure of Atmosphere | Class 11 Geography Chapter 7 | CBSE

Audio Book

Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.

Introduction to the Mesosphere

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

The mesosphere lies above the stratosphere, which extends up to a height of 80 km. In this layer, once again, temperature starts decreasing with the increase in altitude and reaches up to minus 100°C at the height of 80 km. The upper limit of mesosphere is known as the mesopause.

Detailed Explanation

The mesosphere is the middle layer of the Earth's atmosphere, situated above the stratosphere and extending to about 80 kilometers. This layer is characterized by a decrease in temperature as you go higher, reaching extremely cold temperatures of around -100°C at its top, known as the mesopause, which is the boundary between the mesosphere and the next layer, the thermosphere.

Examples & Analogies

Think of the mesosphere like a tall cake made of multiple layers. The lower layers are warmer (like the stratosphere), while the upper layer (the mesosphere) is much colder. Just like frosting can keep a cake warm, the lower layers of the atmosphere trap heat, but once you reach the mesosphere, it gets chilly quickly.

Characteristics of Temperature in the Mesosphere

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

In the mesosphere, temperature decreases with increasing altitude, reaching up to -100°C.

Detailed Explanation

As you ascend through the mesosphere, the air becomes increasingly cold. This phenomenon occurs because this region does not contain significant amounts of gas that can retain heat, leading to lower temperatures at higher altitudes. Thus, flying from the lower parts of the atmosphere to this layer would feel like transitioning from a warm place to one that is freezing cold.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine climbing a mountain. At the base, you may feel warm and comfortable. But as you go higher, the temperature drops, and you might need warmer clothing. Similarly, as you move up in the mesosphere, the temperature drops significantly, highlighting the relationship between altitude and temperature in this atmospheric layer.

Significance of the Mesopause

Unlock Audio Book

Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book

The upper limit of the mesosphere is known as the mesopause.

Detailed Explanation

The mesopause marks the transition between the mesosphere and the thermosphere. At this boundary, the temperature stops decreasing and starts to rise again in the thermosphere. This layer is crucial because it separates two atmospheric regions with very different characteristics, impacting phenomena such as atmospheric temperature and satellite orbits.

Examples & Analogies

Consider the mesopause as a door between two different rooms. One room (the mesosphere) is very cold, while the other room (the thermosphere) becomes warm. This door signifies a change in environment, just like the mesopause distinguishes a change from colder to warmer temperatures in the atmosphere.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Mesosphere: The atmospheric layer above the stratosphere, characterized by decreasing temperatures.

  • Mesopause: The boundary between the mesosphere and thermosphere where temperatures reach a minimum.

  • Meteors: Small celestial bodies that burn up in the mesosphere.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • An example of a meteor burning up in the mesosphere as it enters the Earth's atmosphere.

  • The distinction between the stratosphere's warmth due to the ozone layer compared to the cooling effect in the mesosphere.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • In the mesosphere, oh so cold, meteors disappear, or so I'm told.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a night sky full of stars, where meteors race fast but meet their end in the cold, the mesosphere.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember 'M for Mesosphere, M for Meteroids Melt'.

🎯 Super Acronyms

M.E.S.O - Mesosphere, Extremely Cold, Shields Earth from meteors, Oxygen levels are low.

Flash Cards

Review key concepts with flashcards.

Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Mesosphere

    Definition:

    The layer of the Earth's atmosphere above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere, typically ranging from 50 km to 80 km above the surface.

  • Term: Mesopause

    Definition:

    The boundary between the mesosphere and the thermosphere, noted for the lowest temperatures in the atmosphere.

  • Term: Meteor

    Definition:

    A small celestial body that burns up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere, commonly observed as a shooting star.