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Relationship of the atmosphere and ionosphere. The ionosphere (/ aɪ ˈ ɒ n ə ˌ s f ɪər /) [1] [2] is the ionized part of the upper atmosphere of Earth, from about 48 km (30 mi) to 965 km (600 mi) above sea level, [3] a region that includes the thermosphere and parts of the mesosphere and exosphere. The ionosphere is ionized by solar ...
The ionosphere is a region of the upper atmosphere, from about 80 km (50 miles) to 1000 km (600 miles) in altitude, where neutral air is ionized by solar photons, solar particles, and cosmic rays. When high-frequency signals enter the ionosphere at a low angle they are bent back towards the Earth by the ionized layer. [1]
The upper part of the heterosphere is composed almost completely of hydrogen, the lightest element. [29] The planetary boundary layer is the part of the troposphere that is closest to Earth's surface and is directly affected by it, mainly through turbulent diffusion. During the day the planetary boundary layer usually is well-mixed, whereas at ...
The F 2 layer exists from about 220 to 800 km (140 to 500 miles) above the surface of the Earth. The F 2 layer is the principal reflecting layer for HF radio communications during both day and night. The horizon-limited distance for one-hop F 2 propagation is usually around 4,000 km (2,500 miles). The F 2 layer has about 10 6 e/cm 3. However ...
The mesosphere, which on Earth lies between the altitudes of about 50 and 80 kilometres (31 and 50 mi), sometimes considered part of the "middle atmosphere" rather than the upper atmosphere; The thermosphere, which on Earth lies between the altitudes of about 80 and 700 kilometres (50 and 435 mi)
The terms "the ocean" or "the sea" used without specification refer to the interconnected body of salt water covering the majority of Earth's surface. [10] [11] It includes the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern/Antarctic, and Arctic oceans. [19] As a general term, "the ocean" and "the sea" are often interchangeable. [20]
A contraction of the thermosphere has been observed as a possible result in part due to increased carbon dioxide concentrations, the strongest cooling and contraction occurring in that layer during solar minimum. The most recent contraction in 2008–2009 was the largest such since at least 1967. [14] [15] [16]
In the summer, warmer temperatures, melting sea and land ice, and increased sunlight cause the surface layer of the ocean to increase in temperature. This layer sits on top of the large winter mixed layer that was previously created and forms a seasonal pycnocline above the main pycnocline, with the winter mixed layer becoming a lower density ...