The troposphere is divided into three layers:
* The boundary layer is the lowest layer of the troposphere, and it is directly influenced by the Earth’s surface. The boundary layer is typically about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) thick.
* The free atmosphere is the middle layer of the troposphere, and it is characterized by relatively constant temperature and humidity. The free atmosphere extends from the top of the boundary layer to a height of about 5 kilometers (3 miles).
* The upper troposphere is the highest layer of the troposphere, and it is characterized by decreasing temperature and increasing wind speeds. The upper troposphere extends from the top of the free atmosphere to a height of about 10 kilometers (6 miles).
The troposphere is important because it is where we live and breathe. The air in the troposphere contains the oxygen that we need to survive. The troposphere is also where clouds form, and clouds play an important role in the water cycle and in regulating the Earth’s temperature.