Chapter 12
Composition and Structure of
the Atmosphere
Class 9 - Total Geography Morning Star
Short Answer Questions
Question 1
What is known as atmosphere?
Answer
The blanket of air surrounding the Earth is known as the atmosphere.
Question 2
State the gaseous composition of the atmosphere.
Answer
The atmosphere is a mixture of many gases and tiny solid particles. Atmosphere contains-
1. 78% nitrogen gas
2. 21% oxygen gas
3. The remaining 1% of air is made up of Carbon dioxide, Water Vapour, Helium,
Hydrogen, Argon etc.
Question 3
Name the four layers of the atmosphere.
Answer
The four layers of the atmosphere are-
1. Troposphere
2. Stratosphere
3. Mesosphere
4. Thermosphere
Question 4
What is known as troposphere?
Answer
The troposphere is the lowermost and densest layer of the atmosphere. Its height varies from
18 km at the equator to 8 km at the poles.
Question 5
Mention the chief characteristics of stratosphere.
Answer
The chief characteristics of stratosphere are-
1. The air is thin, cold and dry. The temperature is about -55°C.
2. The Ozone layer lies within the stratosphere. Ozone is generally found between the
altitudes of 20 and 50 km.
3. Ozone absorbs the ultraviolet solar radiation coming from above. The insolation
received from the Sun is equal to that lost by it. That is why the temperature of the
layer is constant. In the higher levels, however, temperature increases with height.
4. The lower layer of the stratosphere has a virtual absence of water vapour and has
constant temperature conditions, therefore, it is ideal for flying jet aircraft.
5. Temperature rises from -60°C at the base of the stratosphere to 0°C at stratopause.
6. The upper limit of the stratosphere is known as stratopause.
Question 6
In which layer of atmosphere do all the weather conditions occur?
Answer
All the weather conditions occur in the troposphere.
Question 7
Name the constituent gases of atmosphere which scientists consider responsible for climate
change.
Answer
The constituent gases of atmosphere which scientists consider responsible for climate change
are Carbon dioxide, Methane, Chlorofluorocarbons, Ozone and Water Vapour.
Question 8
What is known as Ozone Layer?
Answer
Ozone layer is a layer in the stratosphere of the atmosphere which keeps temperature constant
in the lower levels and absorbs ultraviolet rays of the Sun.
Question 9
What is leading to depletion of Ozone Layer in the atmosphere?
Answer
Many chemicals like Chlorine, Bromine and Chlorofluorocarbons are leading to depletion of
Ozone Layer in the atmosphere. Chlorofluorocarbon compounds escape into the atmosphere
and finally break down in the Stratosphere. They produce Chlorine atoms which destroy the
Ozone layer.
Sulphur dioxide given out during volcanic eruptions, solar storms and human activities also
lead to depletion of Ozone layer.
Question 10
What is known as Global Warming?
Answer
The rise in average mean temperature of the Earth on account of enhanced concentration of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is known as global warming.
Question 11
Name important Greenhouse gases.
Answer
Some important Greenhouse gases are Carbon dioxide, Methane, Chlorofluorocarbons,
Ozone and Water Vapour.
Explain the following terms/processes
Question 1
Global Warming
Answer
The rise in average mean temperature of the Earth on account of enhanced concentration of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is known as global warming.
Question 2
Greenhouse Effect
Answer
The greenhouse gases in the atmosphere allow the near infrared rays from the Sun to
penetrate the Earth but do not allow the heat radiated by the heated Earth to penetrate back
into space. This adds to the heat already available on the Earth.
This increase in temperature due to the concentration of the greenhouse gases is known as the
greenhouse effect.
Question 3
Normal Lapse Rate of Temperature
Answer
The troposphere is characterised by regular decrease in temperature with altitude. This
decrease in temperature is known as normal lapse rate. The average decrease is 1°C for every
166 metre altitude gain.
Question 4
CFCs
Answer
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are nontoxic, nonflammable chemicals containing atoms of
Carbon, Chlorine, and Fluorine. They are regarded as the main reason for the Ozone Hole
near Antarctica. CFC gases are used in refrigerators, aircraft and air conditioners.
Structured Questions
Question 1(a)
Define atmosphere. Name the four layers of atmosphere.
Answer
The blanket of air surrounding the Earth is known as the atmosphere.
The four layers of the atmosphere are-
1. Troposphere
2. Stratosphere
3. Mesosphere
4. Thermosphere
Question 1(b)
Mention any two functions of the atmosphere.
Answer
Two functions of the atmosphere are-
1. It protects the Earth from the harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays of the Sun.
2. It helps in retaining the necessary warmth on the Earth.
Question 1(c)
Give a reason for each of the following:
(i) We find it difficult to breathe when we climb mountains.
(ii) The atmosphere is the most dynamic entity.
(iii) All the weather phenomena takes place in the troposphere.
Answer
(i) We find it difficult to breathe when we climb mountains because the layers of atmosphere
become thinner at high altitudes. This means that there is less pressure to push the air into the
lungs and a lower percentage of Oxygen in the air. This makes it harder to breath.
(ii) The atmosphere is the most dynamic entity because of its composition. Large masses of
air are being moved up and down and across the surface of the Earth.
(iii) The troposphere is characterised by regular decrease in temperature with altitude. This
decrease in temperature is known as normal lapse rate. The average decrease is 1°C for every
166 metre altitude gain. This temperature variation is responsible for many turbulences which
result in all weather phenomena taking place in the troposphere.
Question 1(d)
Draw a well labelled diagram of the structure of the Earth's atmosphere.
Answer
Below diagram shows the structure of the Earth's atmosphere:
Question 2(a)
Describe the structure of the atmosphere.
Answer
The atmosphere consists of concentric layers of air. On the basis of the characteristics of
temperature and air pressure, it can be divided into four thermal layers — Troposphere,
Stratosphere, Mesosphere and Thermosphere. The Thermosphere is divided into Ionosphere
and Exosphere. The four layers are briefly described below:
1. Troposphere — It is the lowermost and densest layer. Its height varies from 18 km at
the Equator to 8 km at the Poles.
2. Stratosphere — This layer lies above the Troposphere. It extends to a height of 50 km
from sea level.
3. Mesosphere — This layer lies above the Stratosphere. It extends to a height of 80 km
from ground level.
4. Thermosphere — It lies above Mesosphere and consists of two parts:
i. Ionosphere — It extends up to a height of about 400 km.
ii. Exosphere — It is the uppermost layer of the atmosphere. It lies between 400
to 1500 km above the earth.
Question 2(b)
Explain the factors responsible for depletion of Ozone in atmosphere.
Answer
The factors responsible for depletion of Ozone in atmosphere are-
1. Chemicals like Chlorine and Bromine
2. Chlorofluorocarbon gases used in refrigerators, aircraft and air conditioners. CFC
compounds escape into the atmosphere and finally break down in the stratosphere,
producing Chlorine atoms which destroy the Ozone layer.
3. Sulphur dioxide given out during volcanic eruptions, speeds up destructive chemical
reactions.
4. Solar storms consist of coronal mass ejections and solar flares associated with
explosions on the surface of the Sun. They also cause Ozone layer depletion.
5. Human activities also result in Ozone layer depletion. Due to bitterly cold Antarctic
winter, the stratospheric ice clouds promote the production of chemically active
Chlorine and Bromine. This leads to Ozone destruction when sunlight returns in the
Antarctic spring.
Question 2(c)
State any three factors that lead to Global Warming.
Answer
Three factors that lead to Global Warming are-
1. Destruction of Ozone layer
2. Greenhouse effect in the atmosphere
3. Deforestation
Question 2(d)
Draw a well labelled diagram to explain the Greenhouse Effect.
Answer
Below diagram shows the Greenhouse Effect:
