Which layer of the atmosphere extends from 80 kilometers above the Earth's surface?

The layer of the atmosphere that extends from approximately 80 kilometers above the Earth's surface is the thermosphere. This layer is characterized by a significant increase in temperature with altitude due to the absorption of high-energy radiation from the sun. In the thermosphere, temperatures can rise dramatically, reaching up to 2,500 degrees Celsius or more, although the density of the air is so low that it would not feel hot to a human being.

The thermosphere plays a crucial role in atmospheric phenomena such as the auroras, which occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in this layer, producing brilliant displays of light. Another important feature of the thermosphere is that it contains the ionosphere, which is vital for radio communication because it can reflect radio waves back to Earth.

Understanding this layer is essential because it directly influences various atmospheric processes, including space weather and satellite orbits, making it an important area of study in both meteorology and aerospace sciences.