why is the mass of the atmosphere concentrated near Earth's surface?

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why is the mass of the atmosphere concentrated near Earth's surface?

Homework for science

2007-01-11 10:20:52 · 3 answers · asked by divajester6786 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology

3 answers

Atmosphere is light, but it is still affected by gravity. It is pulled toward the center of the Earth and goes as far as it can until something that is more dense (anything solid or liquid) gets in the way. The lighter stuff can't push the heavier stuff out of the way, so it just sits on top, lying as low to the surface as it can.

2007-01-11 10:24:35 · answer #1 · answered by Doctor Why 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋

Pressure.

Near the earth's surface, the weight of the air above it compresses the air, making it denser, thus more of the mass is concentrated into a smaller space.

2007-01-11 10:31:50 · answer #2 · answered by The answer guy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋

gravity

2007-01-11 10:30:16 · answer #3 · answered by delujuis 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋