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The sum total of all the gases surrounding the Earth,
extending several hundred kilometers above the surface in a mechanical mixture
of various gases in fluid-like motion. The permanent constituents are molecular
nitrogen; 78.1%, molecular oxygen; 20.9%, argon; 0.934%, and approximately
0.036% carbon dioxide. Various other components exist in trace amounts. Not to
be under emphasized, these trace components are where the interesting
atmospheric chemistry occurs. The atmosphere can also be artificially divided
into layers. Example: the troposphere (the layer closest to the earth) and the
stratosphere (the layer above the troposphere).
[Elements of Meteorology;
Miller, Albert and Thompson, Jack; pp. 6-9;1970;Charles E Merrill; Ohio.] [
Climate Systems Modeling; Salby, Murry; Ed. Kevin E. Trenberth; pp. 53-115;
1992; Cambridge University Press; London.]
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