The lowest layer of the atmosphere is the troposphere.
The troposphere extends from the ground up to about 8 km at the poles and up to about 18 km near the equator. It contains roughly 75 percent of the atmosphere's total mass along with most of its water vapour, which is why almost all weather activity like rain, clouds, and storms happens here.
Temperature in the troposphere falls as altitude increases. Above the troposphere lies the stratosphere, which is calmer and contains the ozone layer that absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.