The Earth's atmosphere is made up of five primary layers, each with distinct characteristics and functions. These layers, from the surface of the Earth upwards, are:

1. Troposphere:

   • This is the lowest layer, extending from the Earth's surface up to about 8-15 kilometers (5-9 miles) high, depending on your location (thicker at the equator, thinner at the poles).
   • It contains most of the Earth's air, weather, and clouds. Temperature decreases with altitude in this layer.

2. Stratosphere:

   • Located above the troposphere, extending from about 15 kilometers to 50 kilometers (9 to 31 miles) above the Earth's surface.
   • The ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation, is found in the stratosphere. In contrast to the troposphere, temperature increases with altitude here.

3. Mesosphere:

   • This layer extends from about 50 kilometers to 85 kilometers (31 to 53 miles) above the Earth's surface.
   • It is where most meteors burn up upon entering the atmosphere. Temperature decreases with altitude, making it the coldest layer of the atmosphere.

4. Thermosphere:

   • Extending from about 85 kilometers to 500-1,000 kilometers (53 to 620 miles) above Earth.
   • This layer contains a small proportion of the atmosphere's overall mass, but it is where auroras occur. Temperature increases significantly with altitude.

5. Exosphere:

   • The outermost layer of the atmosphere, starting around 500 kilometers (310 miles) above Earth and extending out to about 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles).
   • This layer is where atmospheric particles are very sparse and may escape into space. It transitions into outer space.

Each of these layers plays a vital role in maintaining life on Earth, regulating temperature, protecting from harmful radiation, and facilitating weather patterns.