troposphere
The atmospheric layer closest to the earth's surface, where nearly all weather takes place.
stratosphere
The layer of the atmosphere that extends upward from the troposphere and contains the ozone layer.
mesosphere
The coldest layer of the atmosphere that extends upward from the stratosphere; it's where meteors usually burn up.
thermosphere
The atmospheric layer above the mesosphere where the temperature rises again.
ionosphere
Layer found in the lower region of the thermosphere; in this layer solar rays are absorbed by atmospheric gases which cause atoms to lose electrons and produce ions.
ozone layer
The layer in the statosphere which absorbs suns radiation.
exosphere
The upper most layer of the atmosphere; it extends for thousands of kilometers above the earth.
altitude
The height above the earth's surface.
atmosphere
The layer of gases that surround the earth.
prevailing westerly
Wind generally the polar easterlies and trade winds.