Atmosphere

The atmosphere contains a mixture of gases in a layered structure that surrounds the planet. The oxygen-rich atmosphere supports life on Earth, acts as a shield to greatly reduce the amount of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, and prevents extreme differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Changes to atmospheric gases and particles, clouds, incoming and outgoing UV and longwave radiation, and to the ozone layer contribute to changes in global and local atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns and climate change.