Why is the thickness of the atmosphere important?

Answer 1

there are 4 main layers to the atmosphere. The one highest in altitude is the thermosphere. The thermosphere breaks down into two parts: the exosphere and the ionosphere. The exosphere is where all of earth's satellites orbit the earth, along with all of our space shuttles and so on and so forth. Many people mistakenly think satellites and space shuttles are in space and are out of the atmosphere, but they are really orbiting in the thermosphere, or more specifically, the exosphere.

The next layer, nearly 40 miles below the thermosphere, is the mesosphere. The mesosphere is what stops meteorites from falling to earth and crashing into the surface. meteoroids usually burn up in the mesosphere. This is caused by the meteor rubbing against molecules in the mesosphere. When the friction is great enough, they burn up.

The next layer is the stratisphere. The stratisphere contains the ozone layer. The ozone layer absorbs much of the sun's harmful radiation that would otherwise be dangerous to plant and animal life. This is mainly in the form of ultraviolet (UV) radiation (the stuff that burns your skin). Yes, despite what most people draw, the ozone layer *absorbs* most of the UV, not *reflect* back into space. Actually a very cool process.

The final layer, the one closest to the earth's surface, is the troposphere. Weather occurs only in the troposphere because it is this layer that contains most of the water vapor. It's also here that rising heat at the equator and tropics moves toward the poles due to the rotation of the Earth. It cools and the poles and falls to the surface, creating a continuous circulation This troposphere is an unstable layer where the air is constantly moving. As a result, aircraft flying through the troposphere may have a very bumpy ride -- what we know as turbulence. Because of this turbulence, most jet airlines fly higher above the Earth, up in the stratosphere. Here the air is more still and clear as they can fly above the clouds.

Although the atmosphere extends to a height of 1000km (or higher, depending on where you define it), it is nevertheless still very important for life on the surface of the Earth. This is because of air pressure. Without our necessary air pressure, all liquid would have boiled away and evaporated - including our blood, which is unnerving.

Answer 2

The thickness of the atmosphere is necessary because it absorbs all the harmful gases present in the air. These gases are mainly created by man, but some natural gases which get emitted due to natural hazards, are also taken in. The ozone layer is also present in the atmosphere itself.