What is the atmosphere?

• A. The layer of gases that surrounds Earth; includes air and weather.
• B. All the solid parts of Earth, including rocks, soil, and landforms.
• C. All water on Earth, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and groundwater.
• D. All frozen water on Earth, such as glaciers, ice caps, and permafrost.

Answer: (A)

Atmosphere is the layer of gases that surrounds Earth, the air we breathe and the medium where weather and climate develop. It’s what makes wind, clouds, and precipitation possible, separating us from space. This distinguishes it from the solid Earth (rocks and soil), the bodies of water on Earth, and the frozen water in glaciers and ice caps.