Knowledge about our Atmosphere
and Mathematical Models
of its behaviour


Our atmosphere is unique in the solar system.  At sea level it has a pressure of about 1 x 105 pascals (Pa).  The total mass is 5.3 x 1018 km which is about 1 millionth of the total mass of the planet (5.97 x 1024 kg).  The atmospheric structure is stratified by gravity and characterized by the complex photochemical interactions between sunlight and the various molecular species present. 

Atmospheric Structure

Learn about the complex structure of The Earth's Atmosphere.

Get a scale for comparison of altitudes.

Empirical Models

Based on many many measurements, mathematical formulas are created to model real data.

Find out what average conditions weathermen expect within the Troposphere using a Meteorological Model and how small changes strongly affect our weather.

Check out the US Standard Atmosphere Model that is used by NASA, NOAA, and the USAF to predict weather, plan flights, and design aircraft.

Theoretical Models

Physicists predict conditions in the atmosphere based on fundamental assumptions and elementary physical law..

Constant Temperature Model and the Adiabatic Model

Analyze and Compare these Models

Mathematically analyze and compare each of these four models using realistic values.

Model Comparison