Termosfera: The hottest layer of the atmosphere
The thermosfera is the expandable layer of the atmosphere. It is formed by two or more strata that differ by the composition of electrically charged gases, molecules and atoms. It is influenced by the sun’s rays. It has its limits in the Mesopause and the exosphere. In the fourth layer of the atmosphere the polar auroras are recorded, incited by the action of the sun in the magnetosphere. Electromagnetic waves that today allow diverse forms of communication are also propagated.
What is thermosfera?
The thermosfera is the extendable layer of the Earth’s atmosphere. Its name denotes heat of the sphere or hot sphere, in it the temperature exceeds 1000ºC. It is between the mesosphere and the exosphere. It is also called ionosphere for its composition, rich in ionized gases and loaded particles. This coat is slight similarities with the stratosphere, its temperature increases as it moves away from the ground. And it is formed by two subcaps or regions that have the property of reflecting electromagnetic waves. The thermosfera is much wider than the lower layers of the atmosphere, but thinner than the exosphere. Form the second front of the Earth against the interference of the sun: gamma rays, X -rays and ultraviolet (UV).
What is your function?
The termosphere absorbs electromagnetic radiation supplied by the sun. Draw the gamma rays, of great penetration. Brake X -rays produced by extra nuclear phenomena in electronic orbit. And filters the ultraviolet rays characterized by non -ionizing radiation – ionizing. Invasions not perceived by the human eye, but with serious health consequences. The thermosfera contributes to the preservation of life on earth.
The layer also protects the planet from meteoroid irruption. Create a dense air barrier in front of meteors and a vacuum in their stelae. The condition precise air entry through the pores and cracks of the rocks, and the condensate heat inside the disintegration. It even reduces the ability of meteorites that continue towards Earth. Avoid craters and other effects of the impact of meteoroids on the solid portion of the planet.
Through the subcaps or ionized gas regions, the thermosfera diffuses the medium frequency radius waves and other electromagnetic signals. Propagation used in the field of telecommunications. The use of the bands is regulated.
Where it is located?
The thermosfera exists above the mesosphere, where the Mesopause ends, approximately 80 kilometers from the ground. Almost 97 times the vertical distance of Burj Dubai, the highest building in the world, with 828 meters.
Where are your limits?
The fourth layer of the atmosphere has an approximate thickness of 500 kilometers, from the Mesopause to the exosphere. Although its dimension as temperature vary in tune with solar activity. Its lower limit is between 80 and 120 kilometers on the earth’s surface. Its upper limit between 600 and 1.000 kilometers, where the outermost layer of the system joins the most.
Characteristics of the thermosfera
The termosfera nourishes solar radiation, its fever constantly rises, especially during the day. It is the hottest layer of the atmosphere. A peculiarity of the layer is that its thickness increases according to the intensity of heat, activating its protective function. Its air is little dense, the particles are dispersed, so much that the layer becomes compared to the exosphere and exit to outer space. The separation between molecules creates a tacitly cold atmosphere. It also affects the transmission of sound waves, these do not spread in a vacuum.
It consists of two subcaps: Heaviside and Appleton. Also a third that is observed only during the day. All, electromagnetic wave transmitters. Winds and ionospheric circulation promote energy movement in the atmosphere. From thermospherical variations, changes in the atmosphere can be predicted more precision.
What is your composition?
The thermosfera holds less than 0.1% of atmospheric mass. It is composed of neutral molecules, cations and free electrons, oxygen, nitrogen, helium and other elements, distributed according to the height. These constitute subcapas –Differentiated- of ionized gases and in the highest part, plasma. The ionization of gases in this region of the atmosphere results from the interaction with solar radiation. The violent rays break the molecules and atoms, release electrons.
Subcakes that make up the thermmosphere are known as layer e or heaviside and layer F or Appleton. The first is between 80 and 150 kilometers on the earth’s surface, consents the dissemination of the middle wave radio spectrum. The propagation of the waves is limited by the time of day (solar wind action), season of the year and the amount of electromagnetic activity of the sun. The radio spectrum travels effectively at night when the solar wind separates the layer from the earth.
Capa F is in turn divided into two strata: F1 and F2. The first is between 180 and 300 kilometers above sea level. The F2 is between 300 and 500 kmsnm. They reflect electromagnetic waves up to 10 megahertio. And also replicate those spread in layer E, exceeding 3 Hmz. The thermosfera has a third subcap or region, cited as layer D, observed only during the day. Absorbs spatial radiation in large portions.
How varies the temperature of the termosphere?
In thermosfera the temperature varies constantly, in the day, during each station and according to the dynamics of the sun. Its behavior is dictated by solar radiation and the ionization of molecules and particles. Always ascending, reserving the highest heat in the highest region. And more pronounced during the day, around 2:00 p.m., when the free electrons content reaches its maximum value.
Its usual temperature ranges between 500ºC and 1500ºC. It increases even more when the sun is active, there is movement in sun spots, expulsions of coronary dough or solar eruptions. Phenomena that together with the intense X -ray emission affect the ionization and increased plasma density processes.
What phenomena occur in the termosphere?
The phenomenon known as Aurora (Boreal and Austral), initiated and also developed in the exosphere is observed. Although in the outermost layer the dawn is less common due to the low density of the atmosphere. The loaded solar particles- called by the solar wind- collide against the magnetosphere. The force of the layer conducts strong radiation to the poles. In the terminations, energy is stored and then released in the form of electromagnetic radiation, via thermosfera.
In detail, during the tour of the magnetic field lines, loaded particles collide with molecules and atoms at their fundamental level of energy. The exaltation caused in the elements of the Earth’s atmosphere lasts little. In Millonés de Segundo, energy is released forming a visible spectrum that translates into light.
The auroras are appreciated during the night and about 95 kilometers high. They present various shapes and colors, the latter determined by the species of excited molecules and atoms. Auroras can last minutes or hours. They are called according to the place of appearance, boreal in the north pole, Austral in the South Pole.
Importance
The ionosphere works like a sponge, catches and redoubts part of the most harmful solar radiation to health. He also plays a preponderant role in the deviation of cosmic radiation, of high energy. Protects and models the planet temperature.
Presents ideal atmospheric conditions for the excursion and installation of space stations and satellites of low terrestrial orbit. In the termosphere the International Space Station operates. One of the fields mostly favored by the fourth layer of the atmosphere is that of telecommunications. Thanks to the electromagnetic waves of the thermosfera, the radio, television and other media signals travel quickly and greater reach. Use that is regulated by international laws.
Curiosities on thermmosphere
Astronauts and tourists visit the termosphere. The International Space Station (EEI), administered by International Cooperation, this allows. The engineering masterpiece is located 408 kilometers from the surface. It is manned by astronauts and researchers from US agencies.UU, Japan, Russia, Canada and Europe, which meet alternate shifts since 1998 (year of its construction). According to the initial approach, the US should operate until 2024.
Since 2008 at least 7 individuals have paid for tourism in the land orbit. The ticket that costs millions of dollars, includes the trip on a Soyuz ship and stay during a week at the station. The names of astronauts and tourists who have visited the termosphere can be appreciated on the official website of the US.
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