Chapter 2 Learning Outcomes osphere a Theme 2; Atmospherg i iti in the atmosphere * Knowing about the composition of gases in tl : = ae about the importance of gases that comprise the atmosphere * Understanding the structure of the atmosphere . * Representing layers of the atmosphere in a diagrammatic form The Earth is the only planet where life is known to exist. Its atmosphere plays an important role in supporting all life. The atmosphere is an invisible layer of gases covering the entire planet. The atmosphere acts as a large filter that Protects the Earth from harmful radiations of the Sun. The atmosphere prevents drastic temperature changes; and plays a crucial role in the water cycle Protective Uses 1. The layers of the atmosphere absorb the harmful solar radiations such as the gamma rays, x-rays and the ultra violet Fays. Thus, the layers act as a shield. 2 The ionosphere and the mesosphere help in vaporising cosmic bodies Climatic Uses 1. The atmosphere helps in maintaining optimum temperature on the Earth, thereby allowing the existence of life forms on it. 2. It sustains natural cycles, such as the water cycle and the oxygen cycle. These are essential for the existence of life and make the Earth a unique planet. Miscellaneous Uses 1. Ithelps in long-distance communication by transmitting radio waves back to the Earth from the ionosphere. 2. The spectacular phenomena of the auroras are visible in the ionosphere, 3. Weather balloons sent up in the lower layers of the atmosphere help in forecasting weather conditions,Composition of the Atmosphere re generally colourless and odourless, and together they form the air around us. Around 99 per cent of the atmosphere consists of mainly two gases, nitrogen and oxygen. Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the air, constituting about 78 per cent of the atmosphere. Oxygen constitutes 21 per cent of the air. The remaining 1 per cent contains other gases, such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen, helium, argon, etc. Air also contains water vapour, dust particles, smoke and biological components such as pollen grains. 1m Nitrogen 1B Oxygen Other Gases Composition of the atmosphere The atmosphere is thicker and heavier near the surface of the Earth. As you move upwards away from the ground, the air becomes less dense. Almost 99 per cent of the atmospheric mass is concentrated within the first 32 km above the Earth’s surface. The Earth’s magnetic field protects the atmosphere from solar winds. The gravitational force of the Earth keeps the atmosphere together. Atmospheric Gases Each gas in the atmosphere has unique properties. Some important gases in the atmosphere are: Nitrogen Nitrogen is the most abundant gas. It is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas, present in all living organisms as a part of important biological molecules. It helps in the growth of living beings. Oxygen Oxygen is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas. All living organisms require oxygen for respiration. It also forms the ozone molecules that constitute the ozone layer in the upper part of the atmosphere. This layer absorbs most of the harmful ultraviolet radiations coming from the Sun. Argon Argon is the third-most abundant gas in the atmosphere. It constitutes 0.934% of air. It is an inert gas and has many industrial applications. Carbon Dioxide Carbon dioxide constitutes about 0.04 per cent of the atmosphere. During respiration, most organisms release carbon dioxide. Plants take in carbon dioxide to produce energy during, photosynthesis. The gas is a significant contributor to the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases trap the Sun’s heat and keep the Earth warm enough to sustain life. Water Vapour Water vapour is the main element in all weather phenomena on the Earth. Water is constantly evaporated from the Earth’s surface into the atmosphere. The water vapour cools down and precipitates back on the Earth as rain. Thus, water vapour plays an important role in the hydrological cycle Ttalso maintains atmospheric humidity. Structure of the Atmosphere The unique feature about the Earth’s atmosphere is its stratification. Each |¥ layer of the atmosphere has a distinct |§ Earth.Given below are important Structure of the Atmosphere t features and significance of each layer: particles present; as, are oxygen and water vapour ‘Only layer which ishigher above the Equator and lower at the poles Absorbs maximum terrestrial radiation Air becomes rarefied with an increase in altitude. ‘Atmospheric ‘Altitude above the | Important Features | Significance Layer Earth's Surface a T Troposphere |16kmto18km |* Lowest,densestand | Itisa layer of change. As the (from the Greek | above the Equator heaviest layer made name signifies, all weather ‘tropos') and about 8 km up of all heavy gases. | __ phenomena take place in this above the poles CO,,N, and dust layer. © Since air becomes rarefied with an increase in altitude, its temperature falls as height increases (since rarefied air absorbs less terrestrial radiation). This rate of decrease of temperature with an increase of altitude is roughly 6 degree Celsius for every 1,000 m of ascent and is called the Normal Lapse Rate (this makes mountains freeze even at low altitude). ee* The absorption of heat by this layer is a positive greenhouse effect, which has helped to maintain optimum temperature on Earth for survival of life forms * Presence of moisture and dust particles assists in propagating, the water cycle ‘+ Alllife forms consume the ‘oxygen and carbon dioxide of this layer, ‘Tropopause Varies 11 km to 20km Constant Temperature ‘* Boundary between troposphere and stratosphere * No convection 2, Stratosphere Up to 50 km above Earth’s surface The layer is rarefied © It contains ozone, mainly concentrated in its upper layers. + Temperature ranges here from 51 degree Celsius near tropopause to -15 degree Celsius near stratopause. + Characterised by inversion of temperature, where temperature increases with an increase in altitude due to the presence of Ozone (O,) layer in the upper reaches. * Ozone layer helps absorb harmful ultraviolet radiation. + Little or no turbulence in the lower layer makes it suitable for air navigation. Stratopause Up to 55 km. Constant temperature of around 55 degree Celsius Zone of transition to mesosphere 3. Mesosphere Up to 85 km above the Earth’s surface The coldest layer of the atmosphere; temperature decreases here with an increase in altitude, with the lowest temperature of -90 degree Celsius at the upper end. Vaporisation of cosmic bodies that may reach this layer Mesopause Varies between 85. | Average temperature -100 | Zone of transition to thermosphere to 100 km degree Celsius 4. Thermosphere | Between 500km | * Extremely rarefied | * Absorbs maximum X-rays and and 1,000 km ‘+ Because there are UL rays. above the Earth's surface (varies relatively few molecules and atoms in the thermosphere, even absorbing small amounts of * Ions allow the transmission and reception of communication signals between the Earth and artificial satellites orbiting it in this layer Ne) asolar energy can ignificantly increase th making the thermosphere the hottest layer in the air temperature, atmosphere. Temperature may reach up to 2,000 degree Celsius in the upper layers. Consists of electrically charged particles called ‘io Ionosphere © Vaporises cosmic bo. thus protecting the Earth from sey collisions, a ¢ The presence of ions in this layep forms patterns of coloured light, | a8 aurora, | night sky + Layer of Norther and Southern, | These lights are known. and can be seen in the lights (Aurora Borealisand | Aurora Australis, respectively) | Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights, | Iceland | 5. Exosphere Up to 11,000 km from Earth Merges with outer space Extremely cold Consists of hydrogen and helium Temperature varies greatly and can range between 0 to over 1650 degree Celsius; it is colder at night and much hotter during, the d + The geocorona,aluminous | round the Earth when viewed from outer sphere that glows space, is a part of this layer.iene foe aer ener) ee ere) ae Cened Se ee ee ent ero ieA. Fill in the blanks. 1. The____ is the only planet that supports life. _§ Se 2. ____ is the most abundant gas, constituting about 78 per cent of the entire atmosphere. 3. ______ protects the Earth from the ultraviolet radiations of the Sun. 4. The stratosphere extends up to km above the Earth’s surface. 5. All the weather phenomena take place in the ____________ layer of the atmosphere. B. Match the following. Column A. Ib Column B 1. | Troposphere ‘a. _| Coldest layer of the atmosphere 2 | Stratosphere b.__| Water vapour z 3._ | Mesosphere <_| Geocorona BERS, 4. | Thermosphere ‘| Ozone layer 5. | Exosphere ‘e._| Presence of free ions C. State whether true or false. 1. The atmosphere acts as a large filter that protects the Earth from the harmful radiations of the Sun. 2. The atmosphere is thinner near the Earth’s surface. 3. Nitrogen is the second-most abundant gas in the air. 4. Stratosphere is the lowest, densest and heaviest layer. 5. Ozone forms a protective shield against extreme heat. D. Choose the correct answer. © 1. Which of these gases is essential for respiration? ma O nitrogen O oxygen O carbon dioxide Oozore & 2. How much of the atmospheric mass is concentrated within the first 32 km 2 above the surface? Base O0percent (95 percent © 99 per cent © 100 per cent 3. Which gas is a significant contributor to the greenhouse effect? O helium O hydrogen O argon O carbon dioxide 4. In which layer of the atmosphere is oxygen found? Ovtroposphere stratosphere ©) mesosphere O thermosphere 5. Which layer of the atmosphere is closest to interplanetary space? O exosphere O thermosphere (© mesosphere O troposphere E. Give reasons. 1. The Earth is kept warm by carbon dioxide. and jets —_a aT 3, The upper part of the thermosphere is known as th 4, Auroras are formed mphere fF. Answer in a paragraph or two, 1. Describe the importance of the Earth’s atmosphere. 2. Explain the composition of the atmosphere. 3, Justify the statement: ‘Atmosphere of the Earth is held together by its gravitational force’ 4. Write short notes on: a. The exosphere b. The mesosphere OQ ricture Study mete nares Observe the given image and answer the following, questions: 1. Identify the object moving above the Earth. 2. In which layer of the atmosphere is this object located? 3, Write about a 100 words about the atmospheric conditions in this layer, 4, Find out the source of energy of this object. @ Integrate ‘The gases present in the atmosphere are used for varied purposes. For example, oxygen is required in the process of combustion, neon is used in tubelights, etc. Prepare a list of gases found in the atmosphere (including those studied in this chapter) and make a list of their commercial uses. QO Life Skills | py venvnsiny Bi emrvenmerttnarncy Farth is the only planet in the solar system where life is known to exist. The prevalent environmental conditions support this life. Often, natural phenomena and human activities lead to the addition of unwanted substances in the environment called pollutants. Such substances cause pollution. Prepare a list of activities that are responsible for polluting, the environment and classify these on the basis of the component of environment they affect. @ Project GB eration womey schastegt Raresr A. Space travel has been a subject of interest to us for a long time. From unravelling the mysteries of the universe to building better communication channels across the globe, space travel has opened new possibilities. Prepare a digital presentation on organisations working in this field and some of their significant achievements. B. Recently Chandrayaan 3 reached the moon. Find out more about this tremendous achievement, and about the mission, using the Internet. Write a report about it.