atmosphere

Introduction

CE5

Atmosphere

atmosphere [Gr.,=sphere of air], the mixture of gases surrounding a celestial body with sufficient gravity to maintain it. Although some details about the atmospheres of other planets and satellites are known, only the earth's atmosphere has been well studied, the science of which is called meteorology.

Sections in this article:

Introduction
Role of the Earth's Atmosphere
Layers of the Earth's Atmosphere
Components and Characteristics of the Earth's Atmosphere
Bibliography

See more Encyclopedia articles on: Atmospheric and Space Sciences: Atmosphere