What is the relationship between the Earth's atmosphere and its weather and climate?

The Earth'sis
the collection of gasses and water vapor (often in the form of clouds) that exists for several
miles above the surface of the planet.  The atmosphere is incredibly important to all weather
cycles and life on the planet in general.  The atmosphere helps keep heat from the Sun that
makes its way to the planet's surface trapped near the surface and keeps it from escaping back
into space.  This keeps the surface temperatures at habitable levels, thus allowing life on the
planet to exist.  The atmosphere also keeps the Earth's water from escaping into space as well. 
The water in the...