Week 2 Discussion. Importance of the Troposphere. Life Sciences Essay

Importance of the Troposphere
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Importance of the Troposphere
The troposphere represents the lowest layer on the surface of the earth’s atmosphere containing its largest mass at approximately 90 percent. Under this layer, the temperature decreases with an increase in the altitude, mainly as a result of decreasing pressure in the atmosphere. The troposphere extends to approximately 11 miles, dependent on the position ar altitude (Grodek, 2020). Furthermore, the majority of moisture that leads to the formation of clouds and rain exists under this layer building up the hydrologic cycle. Consequently, this makes the troposphere the most crucial aspect that supports the flourishing of human life.
Firstly, the troposphere receives protection from any dangerous rays that may emanate from the sun due to its position, including ultraviolet rays (UV). Therefore, human life is maintained due to the higher ozone layer that enables molecules to be stable in the troposphere (Showman & Dowling, 2014). All gases required for life on earth, including oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, exist on this layer at high-density levels. This enables respiration in living things possible while at the same time allowing for photosynthesis to occur, which fosters the development of plants. This ecosystem provides optimum conditions critical in maintaining balance and ensuring that nature can thrive (Borngraber, 2018). The proximity of the troposphere to the earth’s surface makes it very sensitive to changes, hence human activities cause variations in the environment. Factors such as pollution lead to changes in the composition of this layer, therefore, making it a critical layer in the atmosphere.
Furthermore, the troposphere causes the uneven heating of the earth's surface by the sun, leading to convection currents. These currents are res...