Chapter 3 atmosphere and climate
1. What is atmosphere? Explain its composition with the help of a
pie diagram.
Definition: The atmosphere is a thick blanket of air/gases that
surrounds the Earth and is held in place by Earth's gravity.
Composition: * Nitrogen (78\%): The most abundant gas, essential
for plant life.
o Oxygen (21\%): Crucial for the survival of living organisms
(breathing).
o Argon (0.93\%): An inert gas.
o Carbon Dioxide (0.03\%): Essential for photosynthesis and
trapping heat (greenhouse effect).
o Other gases (0.04\%): Includes neon, helium, methane,
krypton, hydrogen, and water vapor.
2. Draw a labelled diagram of the structure of atmosphere.
The atmosphere is divided into five distinct layers based on temperature and altitude:
Troposphere: The lowest layer where all weather phenomena (clouds,
rain) occur.
Stratosphere: Contains the ozone layer; ideal for flying aeroplanes.
Mesosphere: The coldest layer; meteorites burn up here.
Thermosphere: Contains the ionosphere; helps in radio
communication.
Exosphere: The outermost layer that gradually merges with outer
space.
3. Which are the four main seasons of India?
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the four main seasons are:
The Cold Weather Season (Winter): December to February.
The Hot Weather Season (Summer): March to May.
The Advancing Monsoon Season (South-West Monsoon): June to
September.
The Retreating Monsoon Season (Autumn): October and
November.
4. Why do you not feel the pressure of the atmosphere?
Equal Counter-Pressure: The atmosphere exerts a tremendous
amount of pressure on our bodies from all directions.
Internal Pressure: We do not feel it because our body fluids (like
blood) and internal organs exert an equal outward pressure that
counterbalances the atmospheric pressure.
5. In which layer of the atmosphere do aeroplanes fly and why?
Layer: Aeroplanes fly in the Stratosphere (specifically the lower
stratosphere).
Reasons:
o Weather-Free: This layer is almost free from clouds, storms,
and convective turbulent weather, ensuring a smooth flight.
o Horizontal Winds: Air flows horizontally here rather than
vertically.
o High Visibility: Low water vapor content results in excellent
visibility.
6. Distinguish between the following:
Feature Troposphere Stratosphere
The layer lies directly above the
Position The lowest layer of the atmosphere.
troposphere.
Extends up to an average height of 13\text{
Height Extends up to a height of 50\text{ km}.
km}.
Temperature decreases with increasing Temperature increases with increasing
Temperature
height. height.
Holds almost all weather phenomena
Specialty Contains the protective Ozone layer.
(clouds, rain).
b. The South-West Monsoon and North-East Monsoon
South-West
North-East Monsoon
Monsoon
June to September (Advancing October to December (Retreating
Period
Monsoon). Monsoon).
Winds blow from sea to land (South- Winds blow from land to sea (North-
Direction
West to North-East). East to South-West).
High moisture content; brings heavy Mostly dry; brings rainfall mainly to
Moisture
rain to most of India. the Tamil Nadu coast.