NameStella Yoon Date4/10

Virtual Interactive: What is the structure of the Earth’s Atmosphere?

In this virtual interactive, you will investigate the structure of the Earth’s atmosphere. You will collect
atmospheric pressure, density and temperature data for various altitudes and observe the types of
meteorological phenomena that occur in the layers of Earth’s atmosphere.

Objectives:

1. Describe the structure of Earth’s atmosphere.

2. Investigate temperature, density and pressure changes in layers of Earth’s atmosphere.
3. Identify meteorological and astronomical phenomena that occur in layers of
Earth’s atmosphere.

Procedure:

1. Go to : https://applets.kcvs.ca/atmosphere/atmosphere.html

2. Watch the animation. What gases occur in the atmosphere, and what are their
proportions?
Nitrogen 78%, 21% oxygen,the other percentages are the combination of argon, carbon
dioxide, and other gases
3. Where are most of those gas molecules found?
at the atmosphere
4. What are the regions of the atmosphere?

5. Drag the red weather balloon along the altitude measurement bar (y axis) and select another
altitude.
6. Go to the data table on the next page and record the info for the specific temperatures.
7. Be sure to read the information that appears about each level in order to record the information in
the phenomenon section
8. Then use the simulation to answer the analysis questions.
Observations: (Events can repeat)

Data table

Altitude Atmosphere level Density Pressure Temperature Events or Characteristics

(km) (g/cm3) (kPa) (0C)
0 (sea Level)
5
10
25
50
60
75
100
130

Analysis

1. Which Layer of the atmosphere do you live in?

a. What kinds of meteorological phenomena can be found in this layer?

2. If a rocket were launched to a height of 210 kilometers above sea level, you reach outside
of the thermosphere and into the exosphere. The exosphere blends in with outer space.
a. What kinds of phenomena do you think might be encountered in this layer?

3. What is the ozone layer?

a. In what layer of the atmosphere can it be found?

b. What is its importance to life on Earth?

4. Describe the pattern of density changes within the layers of the atmosphere.

5. Describe the pattern of pressure changes within the layers of the atmosphere.
6. What is the relationship between air density and air pressure?

7. Describe the pattern of temperature changes within the layers of the atmosphere.

8. Why do you think the temperature changes follow this pattern? (hint- go back to the intro and read
the slides again if you need a hint).

9. A hot air balloon will actually pop when you reach an altitude of about 80 km. Look at your data
and use it to explain why this happens.

10. If the atmospheric pressure is reduced and you are not wearing a pressurized suit, predict
what would happen to your body (in theory) if you were able to reach an altitude of 85 km.

11. Put it all together in a summative paragraph. Explain the changes in density, pressure and
temperature and the relationships between these characteristics.