Earth's Thermosphere: find out what it is and what its function is

Do you know how the structures that protect our planet work? Come and learn more about the Earth's thermosphere and its function!

Who remembers the school classes where we learned about the structure of the planets and how each one works? During these lessons, we learned about the structures that surround our planet. 

And unlike the other planets in our solar system, it is these layers around Earth that ensure that there is life here. That is why they are so important for human life.

However, when we talk about this, the first name that comes to mind is the atmosphere, right? After all, it is the most well-known and talked about layer when the subject is the future of the Earth and the negative impacts that humans have on it. But what many people may not know is that the atmosphere is made up of several layers. And each of them has its own importance.

Thinking about exploring the topic further, we decided to create special content focused on one of the most important layers for our planet: the Earth's thermosphere!

Here, we will better understand what it is and what its function is in maintaining life on our planet. And, of course, we will also remember together the other layers that make up the protection of the Earth! Let's go!

Recall the structure of our atmosphere and the layers that protect our planet

As we mentioned in the previous topic, the atmosphere is the name given to the layer that surrounds our planet, protecting us from factors such as radiation from space.

However, this atmosphere is made up of several layers. Together, the layers of the atmosphere make up an extension of approximately 1000 km. They are: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere. And here, we will remember a little about each of them and their main characteristics!

Troposphere

Starting off our list, we have the troposphere. Known as the layer closest to the Earth's surface, the troposphere extends to an altitude of approximately 8 to 15 kilometers above sea level. This can depend on factors such as location and weather conditions.

In this layer, the temperature generally decreases with altitude. Most meteorological activity occurs in the troposphere, including cloud formation, winds, and the occurrence of weather phenomena.

Stratosphere

The 'second' layer of the atmosphere is the stratosphere. It is located above the troposphere, at an altitude of about 15 to 50 kilometers. In this layer, a phenomenon occurs that many people are unaware of: the increase in temperature with altitude due to the presence of the ozone layer.

The stratosphere is also known for housing the ozone layer, which is found in the upper part of the stratosphere. The ozone layer's function is to absorb most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, protecting life on Earth.

Mesosphere

Starting just beyond the end of the stratosphere, the mesosphere is located at an altitude of about 50 to 85 kilometers.

Remember when we talked about the increase in temperature in the stratosphere due to the ozone layer? Here, the situation changes again.

In this layer, the temperature begins to drop again as you ascend. The mesosphere is the region where most meteors and meteorites that enter the atmosphere burn up due to friction with the air, creating the “shooting stars” we know

Exosphere

The exosphere is the outermost layer of the Earth's atmosphere, extending beyond the thermosphere. Starting just beyond the thermosphere—which we'll explore in more detail in the next section—in this layer, the air density is extremely low, and gaseous particles become increasingly scarce as you move out into space.

The exosphere is also known to merge with the outer space environment, and there is no defined boundary between the Earth's atmosphere and outer space.

What is the Earth's thermosphere? Understand the layer better

After getting to know each of the layers that make up the atmosphere better, it's time to talk about the star of our content: the thermosphere.

Located between the mesosphere and the exosphere, the thermosphere covers a wide range of altitudes, approximately 85 to 600 kilometers above the Earth's surface. In this layer, the temperature increases as one ascends due to the absorption of solar radiation. 

The thermosphere is also known for housing the International Space Station (ISS) and other satellites that operate there. However, the air density is so low that the temperature is not perceived in the same way as on the surface.

What is the function of the Earth's thermosphere? Learn more about its importance!

Below, we list some of the main functions and characteristics of this layer:

Solar Radiation Absorption

The thermosphere is heated by the absorption of solar radiation. It acts as a sponge for solar radiation, absorbing much of the incoming solar energy. This leads to a significant increase in temperature with altitude in the thermosphere. However, the temperature measured in the thermosphere does not reflect the temperature sensation, since the air density is so low that it would not easily transmit heat to a human.

Ion Layer

The thermosphere contains a region known as the ionosphere, which is important for radio communications and navigation systems. It is composed of ions that are electrically charged due to intense solar radiation. These ions reflect radio waves and allow radio signals to be transmitted over long distances around the planet. The reflection of radio waves in the ionosphere is used in technologies such as shortwave radio and high-frequency (HF) radio communication.

Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis

The thermosphere is the region where spectacular natural phenomena known as the aurora borealis (in the northern hemisphere) and aurora australis (in the southern hemisphere) occur. These colorful lights occur due to the interaction of charged particles, such as electrons and protons, with gases in the thermosphere, resulting in emissions of visible light.

Did you like the content we prepared today? Then take the opportunity to read it too Houses on the Moon: understand the project to build houses on the satellite by 2040