Difference between revisions of "thermosphere"

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermosphere
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The '''thermosphere''' is the layer of the [[Earth]]'s [[atmosphere]] directly above the [[mesosphere]] and directly below the [[exosphere]]. Within this layer, [[ultraviolet]] [[radiation]] causes [[ionization]]. (see also: [[ionosphere]])
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The '''thermosphere''', named from the Greek θερμός (thermos) for heat, begins about 85 [[km]] above the Earth. At these high [[altitudes]], the residual atmospheric [[gas|gases]] sort into strata according to [[molecular mass]] (see [[turbosphere]]). Thermospheric [[temperature|temperatures]] increase with altitude due to absorption of highly energetic solar radiation by the small amount of residual [[oxygen]] still present. Temperatures are highly dependent on [[solar activity]], and can rise to 2,000°C. Radiation causes the air [[particles]] in this layer to become electrically charged, enabling [[radio]] waves to bounce off and be received beyond the [[horizon]]. At the exosphere, beginning at 500 to 1,000km above the Earth's surface, the atmosphere blends into [[space]]. The few particles of gas here can reach 2,500°C (4500°F) during the day.
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Latest revision as of 11:43, 16 October 2022

The thermosphere is the layer of the Earth's atmosphere directly above the mesosphere and directly below the exosphere. Within this layer, ultraviolet radiation causes ionization. (see also: ionosphere)

The thermosphere, named from the Greek θερμός (thermos) for heat, begins about 85 km above the Earth. At these high altitudes, the residual atmospheric gases sort into strata according to molecular mass (see turbosphere). Thermospheric temperatures increase with altitude due to absorption of highly energetic solar radiation by the small amount of residual oxygen still present. Temperatures are highly dependent on solar activity, and can rise to 2,000°C. Radiation causes the air particles in this layer to become electrically charged, enabling radio waves to bounce off and be received beyond the horizon. At the exosphere, beginning at 500 to 1,000km above the Earth's surface, the atmosphere blends into space. The few particles of gas here can reach 2,500°C (4500°F) during the day.

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