Meteorology B

[MMeteorite1]

The Atmosphere. Seems like the historical literature always refers to the 4 Layers of the Atmosphere as the tropo, strato, meso and thermo, and often referring to the ionto and exo as part of the thermo More recent literature refers to 5 layers with the Exo now as its own distinct layer, yet ionto still as a sub-layer of the therm. When did this paradigm shift occur and is most correct to refer to the atmosphere as 5 layers. Note that the wiki page for Meteorology only refers to 4 layers. If there is a physicist in the house, please clarify. Thanks

[ReBobville]

The 4 traditional layers of the atmosphere are the troposphere (weather occurs here), stratosphere (ozon layer) mesosphere and thermosphere. I've seen both the terms "exosphere" and "ionosphere" used to describe the 5th layer. The reason that it is sometimes not included with the other 4 is that it really is not an "atmosphere" rather, it is just a small amount of free compounds floating around, barely held by the earth's gravity. (the reason ionosphere is used is because solar radiation will sometimes ionize these free compounds. Finally on a test, I would put down all five layers UNLESS the test only asks for four. (then, disregard the exosphere/ionosphere). Also, when identifying the 5th layer, i would write both terms unless otherwise directed to use one over the other.

Hope this helps

[MMeteorite1]

The 4 traditional layers of the atmosphere are the troposphere (weather occurs here), stratosphere (ozon layer) mesosphere and thermosphere. I've seen both the terms "exosphere" and "ionosphere" used to describe the 5th layer. The reason that it is sometimes not included with the other 4 is that it really is not an "atmosphere" rather, it is just a small amount of free compounds floating around, barely held by the earth's gravity. (the reason ionosphere is used is because solar radiation will sometimes ionize these free compounds. Finally on a test, I would put down all five layers UNLESS the test only asks for four. (then, disregard the exosphere/ionosphere). Also, when identifying the 5th layer, i would write both terms unless otherwise directed to use one over the other.

Hope this helps

Thanks ReBob. So did you go to nationals last year in Div B? How was meteorology test at nationals compared to your state test?

[ReBobville]

Yes, I did go to nationals. (placed 6th!) Compared to our state test, the national test was much harder. However, the PA state test is usually very easy. I think that the SE PA region meteorology test is fairly harder then the state test.

[MMeteorite1]

Yes, I did go to nationals. (placed 6th!) Compared to our state test, the national test was much harder. However, the PA state test is usually very easy. I think that the SE PA region meteorology test is fairly harder then the state test.

That's awesome! Good luck to you the rest of the year and thanks again.

[Azismith]

The 4 traditional layers of the atmosphere are the troposphere (weather occurs here), stratosphere (ozon layer) mesosphere and thermosphere. I've seen both the terms "exosphere" and "ionosphere" used to describe the 5th layer. The reason that it is sometimes not included with the other 4 is that it really is not an "atmosphere" rather, it is just a small amount of free compounds floating around, barely held by the earth's gravity. (the reason ionosphere is used is because solar radiation will sometimes ionize these free compounds. Finally on a test, I would put down all five layers UNLESS the test only asks for four. (then, disregard the exosphere/ionosphere). Also, when identifying the 5th layer, i would write both terms unless otherwise directed to use one over the other.

Hope this helps

That's funny. I have been seeing diagrams that look like this:
http://forces.si.edu/atmosphere/04_00_01.html
where the order is:
troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere (includes ionosphere and magnetosphere), then exosphere
I haven't seen ionosphere used to describe the 5th layer.
Could you tell me if this is just completely incorrect? If so, I'd like to know where I can find the correct diagram.
Thanks!!

[ryanbart]

Can you bring a BINDER of notes to meteorology? Thanks

[MMeteorite1]

Can you bring a BINDER of notes to meteorology? Thanks

Rules state 1 8 x 10 help sheet. can use both side. I use MS Publishers so I can easily cut and paste diagrams and text boxes. Print in high resolutions

[MMeteorite1]

The 4 traditional layers of the atmosphere are the troposphere (weather occurs here), stratosphere (ozon layer) mesosphere and thermosphere. I've seen both the terms "exosphere" and "ionosphere" used to describe the 5th layer. The reason that it is sometimes not included with the other 4 is that it really is not an "atmosphere" rather, it is just a small amount of free compounds floating around, barely held by the earth's gravity. (the reason ionosphere is used is because solar radiation will sometimes ionize these free compounds. Finally on a test, I would put down all five layers UNLESS the test only asks for four. (then, disregard the exosphere/ionosphere). Also, when identifying the 5th layer, i would write both terms unless otherwise directed to use one over the other.

Hope this helps

That's funny. I have been seeing diagrams that look like this:
http://forces.si.edu/atmosphere/04_00_01.html
where the order is:
troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere (includes ionosphere and magnetosphere), then exosphere
I haven't seen ionosphere used to describe the 5th layer.
Could you tell me if this is just completely incorrect? If so, I'd like to know where I can find the correct diagram.
Thanks!!

The diagram in your link is very similar to a version I found on NASA andn NOAA. Exosphere definitely being used more recently as a desticntive 5th layer. I have yet to find any reference to a ThermoPAUSE. The wild card is the Iontosphere as there appears to be fluctuations in its elevation and even some references to multiple levels of ionto layers.

[ReBobville]

I've looked at some more diagrams and it seems like the exosphere is the more "proper" name. So, I would write that on a test. Aslo, I think it best to include all five layers unless otherwise directed. As for the ionosphere, it seems like the most popular classification is to put it in the upper level of the thermosphere (right in the thermopause)