Atmosphere Layers Quiz

Study Notes

Troposphere
- Most important atmospheric layer, average height of 13 km.
- Contains the air we breathe.
- Weather phenomena such as rainfall, fog, and hailstorms occur here.
Stratosphere
- Extends up to 50 km above the troposphere.
- Lacks clouds and adverse weather, ideal for aircraft.
- Contains the ozone layer, which protects against harmful solar radiation.
Mesosphere
- Lies above the stratosphere, extending to 80 km.
- Meteorites burn up in this layer during their descent.

Air pressure is influenced by temperature; warm air rises creating low pressure while cold air sinks creating high pressure.
Wind is the movement of air from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas.
Types of Winds:
- Permanent Winds: Constant winds year-round (trade winds, westerlies, easterlies).
- Seasonal Winds: Change direction with the seasons (e.g., Indian monsoons).
- Local Winds: Occur during specific times in smaller geographic areas (e.g., land breeze, sea breeze, loo).

Odisha, India, frequently experiences cyclones from the Bay of Bengal.
Notable cyclones include:
- A cyclone in October 1999 affecting five districts.
- A supercyclone on October 29, 1999, with wind velocities up to 260 km/h lasting over 36 hours.
Effects of cyclones include uprooted trees, structural damage, flooding, and salinization of soil.

Humidity refers to moisture in the air; higher temperatures lead to increased humidity.
On humid days, drying clothes takes longer, and sweat does not evaporate easily.
Precipitation occurs when condensed water droplets in clouds become heavy and fall to the ground.

As altitude increases in the atmosphere, air pressure decreases.
Rain is defined as liquid precipitation.
Winds are named based on their originating direction (e.g., westerly winds come from the west).

Cyclonic events cause severe ecological and agricultural damage, leading to loss of livestock, crops, and vital agricultural land.
Loss of mangrove forests and other plant life diminishes coastal defense and biodiversity.

Winds can be incredibly powerful, affecting daily activities and even uprooting trees.
Local winds, like the loo, can create uncomfortable conditions in specific areas.