<P> The atmosphere has a mass of about 5.15 × 10 kg , three quarters of which is within about 11 km ( 6.8 mi ; 36,000 ft ) of the surface . The atmosphere becomes thinner and thinner with increasing altitude , with no definite boundary between the atmosphere and outer space . The Kármán line , at 100 km ( 62 mi ) , or 1.57 % of Earth 's radius , is often used as the border between the atmosphere and outer space . Atmospheric effects become noticeable during atmospheric reentry of spacecraft at an altitude of around 120 km ( 75 mi ) . Several layers can be distinguished in the atmosphere , based on characteristics such as temperature and composition . </P>
<P> The atmosphere has a mass of about 5.15 × 10 kg , three quarters of which is within about 11 km ( 6.8 mi ; 36,000 ft ) of the surface . The atmosphere becomes thinner and thinner with increasing altitude , with no definite boundary between the atmosphere and outer space . The Kármán line , at 100 km ( 62 mi ) , or 1.57 % of Earth 's radius , is often used as the border between the atmosphere and outer space . Atmospheric effects become noticeable during atmospheric reentry of spacecraft at an altitude of around 120 km ( 75 mi ) . Several layers can be distinguished in the atmosphere , based on characteristics such as temperature and composition . </P>
how far atmosphere extends from the surface of earth
how far atmosphere extends from the surface of earth
within about 11 km ( 6.8 mi ; 36,000 ft ) of the surface
within about 11 km ( 6.8 mi ; 36,000 ft ) of the surface