ther·mo·sphere (thûr m -sfîr )n. The outermost shell of the atmosphere, between the mesosphere and outer space, where temperatures increase steadily with altitude. ther mo·spheric (-sfîr k, -sf rk) adj. |
thermosphere [ˈθɜːməˌsfɪə]
n
(Earth Sciences / Physical Geography) an atmospheric layer lying between the mesosphere and the exosphere, reaching an altitude of about 400 kilometres where the temperature is over 1000°C
| thermosphere (thûrm-sfîr) The region of the Earth's upper atmosphere lying above the mesosphere and extending from a height of approximately 80 km (50 mi) to between 550 and 700 km (341 and 434 mi) above the Earth's surface. In the thermosphere temperatures increase steadily with altitude, reaching as high as 1,727°C (3,140°F) at the highest elevations. Chemical reactions occur much faster here than on the surface of the Earth. See also exospheremesospherestratospheretroposphere, See illustration at atmosphere. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | thermosphere - the atmospheric layer between the mesosphere and the exosphere layer - a relatively thin sheetlike expanse or region lying over or under another atmosphere - the envelope of gases surrounding any celestial body |
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