The function of the thermosphere layer as one of the layers in the Earth’s atmosphere is certainly quite important.
This layer of the atmosphere is above the mesosphere and just below the exosphere. In other words, the thermosphere is the second top layer before the exosphere. So, what is the function of this layer?
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Definition and Functions of the Thermosphere Layer
Earth has an outer layer of atmosphere. The layer of the atmosphere does nothing but ward off direct solar radiation.
In addition, the atmosphere is also useful as a place for burning celestial bodies that enter the Earth. The thing you need to know is that the atmosphere does not consist of only one layer.
There are several layers that make up the atmosphere. Of course, these layers have different functions as well.
This time we will discuss the function of the thermosphere. Before that, what was the thermosphere?
The thermosphere is the layer of the atmosphere which is fourth from the bottom and second from the top. The atmosphere is about 85 kilometers from the Earth’s surface.
Following are the functions of the thermosphere layer:
- The thermosphere is useful as a place for the ionization process of the gases emitted by the Sun. Oxygen molecules and some other gases will split and become atomic oxygen in this layer.
- The thermosphere layer serves as a reflector of electromagnetic waves to reflect radio waves. The waves will oscillate and propagate through space and carry energy.
You need to know that the only layer of the atmosphere that has the ability to reflect waves is the thermosphere.
With reflected waves, people can connect with each other and exchange information even from long distances.
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Thermosphere Characteristics
Knowing the function of the thermosphere layer is certainly not enough. You should also be able to know the characteristics of this layer.
Did you know that actually the thermosphere has another name, namely the ionosphere. The name relates to the main feature of this layer.
In the thermosphere, most of the molecules are ionized. That is why the thermosphere is also known as the ionosphere. These ions are useful as reflectors of radio waves.
The second characteristic of the thermosphere is the presence of an inversion layer which serves to show that the higher the temperature, the higher the temperature.
The average temperature in the thermosphere is also very hot, around 500 to 2,000 degrees Celsius. It is in this layer that incoming space objects will burn out.
The thermosphere air layer is also very thin, the gases in that layer are only oxygen atoms (O), helium (He), and nitrogen atoms (N).
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In fact, some experts define the thermosphere as outer space because it is far above the Earth’s surface and there is no longer enough air.
Because this layer has the ability to emit radio waves, the function of the thermosphere layer that humans use is as a place for artificial satellites. However, scientists also still have to take into account the altitude so that the satellite can continue to move. (R10/HR-Online)
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