Air doesn't have a definite thickness like a solid object. Instead, it's a mixture of gases that extends far beyond the Earth's surface. However, we can talk about the atmosphere, which is the layer of air surrounding our planet.
How Thick Is the Atmosphere?
The atmosphere gradually thins out as you go higher. It's generally divided into several layers:
- Troposphere: This is the lowest layer, where we live and where weather occurs. It extends up to about 7 miles (11 kilometers).
- Stratosphere: This layer contains the ozone layer, which protects us from harmful ultraviolet radiation. It extends from about 7 miles to 31 miles (50 kilometers).
- Mesosphere: This layer is where most meteors burn up. It extends from about 31 miles to 53 miles (85 kilometers).
- Thermosphere: This layer is very hot, but the air is very thin. It extends from about 53 miles to 373 miles (600 kilometers).
- Exosphere: This is the outermost layer, where the atmosphere gradually fades into space. It extends beyond 373 miles (600 kilometers).
The Karman line, located at 100 kilometers (62 miles) above sea level, is often considered the boundary between the Earth's atmosphere and outer space.
So, while we can't say that air has a specific thickness, the Earth's atmosphere extends to about 100 kilometers (62 miles).
