How thick is the troposphere approximately?

Prepare for the GACE Middle Grades Science Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere and plays a crucial role in weather and climate. Its thickness varies depending on geographic location and weather conditions, but on average, it extends about 7 miles (approximately 12 kilometers) above sea level. This layer is where most of the Earth's weather occurs, due to the presence of water vapor and the Earth’s surface heating the air, leading to convection currents. The thickness can be greater in tropical regions, where temperatures are warmer, and can be thinner at higher latitudes. Thus, the average thickness of about 7 miles makes this option the most accurate for characterizing the troposphere.

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