maintaining Earth's climate Kaffeetasse

The atmosphere is a crucial layer of gases surrounding Earth, held by gravity. It consists mainly of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and trace gases like carbon dioxide and argon. This protective shield regulates temperature, enabling life by trapping solar energy and maintaining Earth's climate. It plays a vital role in the water cycle, weather patterns, and sustaining ecosystems. The atmosphere also acts as a filter, blocking harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. Divided into layers—troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere—it serves as Earth's invisible yet invaluable barrier against cosmic forces and environmental extremes.