Final answer:
The temperature of a layer of the atmosphere is determined by altitude, composition, and solar radiation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The temperature of a layer of the atmosphere is determined by several factors:
- Altitude: The temperature of the atmosphere generally decreases with increasing altitude in the troposphere, which is the lowest layer of the atmosphere. This is due to the decrease in air density and the heat-trapping effect of the Earth's surface. However, in the stratosphere, the temperature starts increasing again due to the absorption of UV radiation by ozone.
- Composition: The composition of the atmosphere, including the presence of greenhouse gases like water vapor and carbon dioxide, can affect the temperature. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to a warming effect.
- Solar Radiation: The amount of solar radiation the atmosphere receives also affects its temperature. Regions closer to the equator receive more solar radiation and tend to be hotter, while regions near the poles receive less solar radiation and tend to be colder.