Structure of the Atmosphere

Part 1: Temperature and Air Pressure Changes

Objective: Graph atmospheric data to show the relationships between altitude, temperature and air
pressure.

Procedure:
1. Table 1 identifies atmosphere data and has been graphed for you. Altitude is on the y-axis and
temperature is on the bottom x-axis and air pressure will go on the top x-axis.
2. A key box has been created for you use the data table below to identify which line is
temperature and which line is air pressure and complete the key.
Table 1: Atmospheric Data
Altitude (km) Temperature (C) Air Pressure (Hg)
0 15 30
5 -18 16
10 -49 8
12 -56
20 -56
25 -51 .8
30 -46
35 -37
40 -22
45 -8
48 -2
52 -2 .09
55 -7
60 -17 .006
65 -33
70 -54
75 -65 .0007
80 -79
84 -86
92 -86
95 -81
100 -72 0.000005

Part 2: Diagramming the Layers of the Atmosphere

Objective: Identify the layers of the atmosphere based on altitude, temperature, and air pressure
data.

Procedure: (check each procedure off as you complete the task)

Use the information on page 412 of the textbook to complete the following:
Draw a horizontal line across the graph which marks the end of each layer. (You do not have to
include the Exosphere).
Identify and label the name of each sphere
Draw a horizontal line across the graph showing the top and bottom of the ozone layer.
Label and lightly shade the ozone layer.
Lightly shade each sphere with your color of choice
Cut and glue the follow-up questions to page 55.
 Complete follow-up questions

1) What variable is used to divide the atmosphere into the 4 layers?

2) How does the ozone layer in the stratosphere cause temperatures to increase?

3) Why do temperatures decrease as you go up through the troposphere?

4) What 3 variables were graphed? What units are associated with each variable?
Variable Units

5. If you were to start at the bottom of a layer and increase your altitude, how would the
temperature change? (increase or decrease).
Layer Temperature Change

6. What is the lowest and highest temperature range in each layer? (Low should be reported first,
then high.)
Layer Temperature Range

7. What layer(s) of the atmosphere has the lowest temperature? __________________________

8. How does temperature change as height increases in the troposphere? Compare this to how
temperature changes with height in the stratosphere? What causes the temperature increase in
the stratosphere?