atmospheric

Atmospheric describes anything relating to the atmosphere, the layer of gases surrounding a planet or other body. On Earth, the atmosphere supports life, moderates climate, and shields the surface from much of the Sun’s radiation. In broader usage, it can also refer to air or the mood of a setting.

Earth’s atmosphere is predominantly nitrogen (about 78%) and oxygen (about 21%), with argon, neon, carbon dioxide, and trace gases making up the remainder. Water vapor is variable and plays a central role in weather and the greenhouse effect. Aerosols and clouds interact with solar and terrestrial radiation to influence climate and visibility.

The atmosphere is arranged into several layers. The troposphere contains most weather and extends from the surface to roughly 8–15 km. The stratosphere, up to about 50 km, hosts the ozone layer. Above lie the mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere, where temperature and density change with height depending on the layer.

Key processes include energy balance, convection, cloud formation, precipitation, and large-scale circulation. These govern weather and climate, transport heat and moisture, and drive chemical reactions that affect air quality and the concentration of greenhouse gases.

Scientists observe the atmosphere with weather stations, radiosondes, aircraft, and satellites, reporting pressure in hPa or kPa, temperature in Celsius or Kelvin, and humidity and gas concentrations in percent or parts per million.

Human activity alters the atmosphere through emissions and particles, impacting climate, air quality, and the radiation balance that protects life.