This is the layer of the atmosphere in which weather occurs, in which planes fly and in which we live.
troposphere
In this stage of the water cycle, water cools and changes from a gas to a liquid.
condensation
Layers of air around the earth
atmosphere
This is the coldest layer of the atmosphere, which lies in the middle of the other layers about 30-50miles (50-85km) above the Earth's surface. This layer protects us from meteors by burning them up.
mesosphere
This stage of the water cycle happens as a result of heat from the Sun turning liquid water into water vapor.
evaporation
This phenomenon is caused by cooler air from a high-pressure area sinking toward the Earth, and is a result of the Sun heating the Earth unevenly.
wind
This is the term for long-term variations in weather for a particular area
Climate
This layer of the atmosphere extends from about 10 miles to 30 miles above the Earth's surface, containing the ozone layer which blocks ultraviolet rays. Weather balloons can be found in this layer.
stratosphere
Rain, snow, sleet, and hail are all examples of this stage of the water cycle.
precipitation
This term refers to a large body of air that takes on the characteristics of the area over which it forms
What is an air mass
This is the outermost layer of the atmosphere, extending 6,000 miles above the Earth's surface to the edge of space. Communication satellites can be found in this layer.
exosphere
This is the stage of the water cycle in which water falls to the Earth's surface and gathers in rivers, streams, lakes, oceans, or underground.
collection/accumulation
What is frozen rain?
sleet (or snow, or hail)
This is the lower layer of the thermosphere, in which ions energized by ultraviolet light produce the aurora borealis, or northern lights.
ionosphere
This is the stage of the water cycle in which water evaporates through the leaves of plants.
transpiration
This is what we call an extremely low-lying stratus cloud that lies along the surface of the Earth.
fog