Explain the Composition of Atmosphere?

Atmosphere Composition

The atmosphere, as we know, is the region of air present above the earth’s surface. It extends up to a height of about 500 km from the earth’s surface. The atmosphere is capable of supporting life on earth and save it from the ill effects of the ultraviolet rays of the sun. The atmosphere consists of a number of gases like nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and some inert gases like argon. The actual composition of air near the sea level is given in Table Below as major, minor and trace components. The composition is expressed in per cent by volume or ppm. The values in ppm is obtained by multiplying the per cent volume by 104.

The approximate mass of the atmosphere is 4.5 to 5 x 10¹⁵ metric tons (about one millionth of the total weight of the earth). The temperature, pressure and density of the atmosphere vary considerably with altitude. Table Below given various parameters.