Breath of Fresh Air: Our Atmosphere’s Unique Composition
Heritage Space/Heritage Images via Getty Images
Heritage Space/Heritage Images via Getty Images
Earth’s atmosphere is a life-sustaining cocktail of gases, with nitrogen and oxygen making up the majority. This unique composition not only provides the oxygen we breathe but also protects us from harmful solar radiation.
The thin layer of ozone absorbs and scatters ultraviolet radiation, preventing it from reaching the surface. Moreover, the atmosphere plays a crucial role in maintaining Earth’s climate, keeping temperatures within a range that supports diverse ecosystems.