List, in order of decreasing altitude, the principle layers of Earth’s atmosphere

The principal layers of Earth's atmosphere, listed in order of decreasing altitude, are as follows:

1. Exosphere: This is the outermost layer of the Earth's atmosphere, extending from the exobase upward. The exact altitude varies, but it starts at about 700 km above the Earth's surface and extends into space.

2. Thermosphere: Below the exosphere, the thermosphere extends from about 80 km to 700 km. This layer is characterized by high temperatures, which can reach up to 2,500°C.

3. Mesosphere: The mesosphere is below the thermosphere, extending from about 50 km to 80 km. This is the layer where most meteors burn up upon entering the atmosphere.

4. Stratosphere: The stratosphere is below the mesosphere, extending from about 12 km to 50 km. This layer contains the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters the solar ultraviolet radiation.

5. Troposphere: The troposphere is the lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere, extending from the Earth's surface up to about 12 km. This is the layer where we live and where weather occurs.