Troposphere

Troposphere

What is it?

The troposphere is the lowest layer of the earth's atmosphere. The troposphere extends from the surface of the earth to between 10 and 12 miles up (or 10 to 20 kilometers).

Give me an example!

The troposphere is where all our weather happens! Water molecules moving through the water cycle do their thing within the troposphere. That's a whole lot of evaporation, condensation, and percipitation (rain, sleet, hail, and snow)! The level level of the earth's atmosphere directly above the troposphere (called the stratosphere) forms a barrier that keeps the earth's moisture from escaping. The ceiling of the troposphere is higher over the Equator than at the Poles, and it is higher over the Poles in summer than in winter.