Overview
The envelope of gases surrounding the Earth changes significantly with changes in altitude. Four unique layers of the atmosphere have been observed - each marked by its own temperature profile.
Memory Aids
| Layer | Altitude | Description |
| Troposphere | Surface - 36,000 ft. | Temperature decreases with height |
| Vertical depth varies with seasonal temperature changes | ||
| Nearly all weather occurs in this region | ||
| Stratosphere | 36,000 ft. - 31 mi. | Temperature increases with height |
| Mesosphere | 31 mi. - 53 mi. | Temperature decreases with height |
| Thermosphere | 53 mi. - 430 mi. | Temperature increases with height |