Atmospheric Layers Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?

To ensure projects are completed on time.

To visualize the potential impacts of a project on the environment before it begins. (correct)

To evaluate customer satisfaction with projects.

To promote economic development without restrictions.

Which of the following is NOT typically included in the baseline data collection for an EIA?

Land and land use pattern

Existing water resources

Temperature and rainfall data

Projected revenue from the project (correct)

What does the term 'harmonized' refer to in the context of developmental activities and the environment?

Elimination of all environmental regulations.

Coordination of development with environmental considerations. (correct)

Maximizing profit from resource extraction.

Minimizing government oversight during projects.

Why is it important to visualize environmental impacts before project establishment?

To avoid future environmental and economic liabilities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary duty of every citizen of India according to Article 51-A?

To protect and improve the natural environment Signup and view all the answers

In which step of the project proposal is the alternative site evaluated?

Step 2 - Alternative site evaluation Signup and view all the answers

When was the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) established?

September 1974 Signup and view all the answers

Which area is NOT a focus of environmental baseline data collection?

Projected sales figures of the project Signup and view all the answers

What type of assessment is an Environmental Assessment compared to an EIS?

A preliminary analysis often referred to as a mini-EIS. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the temperature during a temperature inversion?

It increases with altitude. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the Central Pollution Control Board?

Control industrial waste production Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated carrying capacity of the Earth?

10 to 15 billion people Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 48-A focus on?

The protection of forests and wildlife Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a biological environment factor in the baseline data collection?

Demographic data Signup and view all the answers

Which function is specifically outlined for the State Board (SPCB)?

Plan comprehensive pollution prevention programs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can increase the carrying capacity of a region?

Implementation of wastewater technologies Signup and view all the answers

What is an ecological footprint?

A measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the CPCB's capabilities?

It recognizes laboratories for effective function Signup and view all the answers

What does sustainable development aim to achieve according to G.H. Brundtland?

Meeting present needs without compromising future generations. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the responsibilities assigned to the Central Pollution Control Board as per the provided content?

Dispute resolution among the state boards Signup and view all the answers

What does Article 51-A emphasize regarding compassion?

To have compassion for living creatures Signup and view all the answers

Which conference was held in 1992 to address sustainable development?

United Nations Conference on Environment and Development Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of environmental sustainability?

Protecting the natural world for human life. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method to increase carrying capacity?

Reducing agricultural practices Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)?

Wildlife research and conservation Signup and view all the answers

Which act is focused on the handling and management of biomedical waste?

Biomedical waste (handling & management) Rule (1995) Signup and view all the answers

When was the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-I) established?

1969 Signup and view all the answers

What type of organization is the Center for Science and Environment (CSE)?

Non-governmental organization (NGO) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following acts regulates noise pollution?

Noise pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules (2000) Signup and view all the answers

What year was the Center for Environment Education (CEE) established?

1989 Signup and view all the answers

What prominent campaign did the BNHS participate in?

Save the Silent Valley Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the CPR Environmental Education Centre?

Conduct programs for environmental awareness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the ozone layer in the stratosphere?

To absorb ultraviolet radiation from the sun Signup and view all the answers

What occurs to the temperature as you ascend through the mesosphere?

It decreases to extremely low temperatures Signup and view all the answers

What is the temperature range in the stratosphere?

-600C to -20C Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the thermosphere?

It has very high temperatures due to UV radiation absorption Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the atmosphere contains the ionosphere?

Thermosphere Signup and view all the answers

What happens to gas particles in the ionosphere when they absorb ultraviolet radiation?

They become electrically charged (ions) Signup and view all the answers

What is the lap rate typically measured at in a dry air mass?

9.8°C per km Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily trapped in the Van Allen radiation belts?

Charged particles from solar wind Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stratosphere

Extends from 12 to 50 km, with temperatures rising from -60°C to -20°C.
Contains the ozone layer, which absorbs UV radiation, acting as a protective shield for Earth's surface.
Temperature increase in the upper stratosphere is caused by ozone absorbing ultraviolet radiation.

Mesosphere

Ranges from 50 to 80 km, with temperatures dropping to about -90°C to -100°C.
This layer is the coldest in the atmosphere and protects Earth from meteoroids by burning them up.

Thermosphere

Begins at 80 km and extends upward, featuring extremely thin air.
Temperatures can exceed 2000°C due to UV radiation being converted into heat.
Includes the ionosphere (80 to 700 km) where gas particles become ionized, aiding radio communication, but solar flares can disrupt this.

Exosphere

The uppermost part of the atmosphere extending from approximately 700 km to 1600 km.
Characterized by very thin air, this region is where satellites orbit Earth.

Magnetosphere

Surrounds Earth and extends beyond the thermosphere, beginning at about 1000 km.
Comprised of charged protons and electrons, trapping solar particles in belts known as the Van Allen radiation belts.
These belts can emit deadly radiation, creating phenomena like the aurora borealis during solar flares.

Environmental Concepts

Lapse Rate: Refers to the decrease in temperature with altitude, typically around 9.8°C for dry air. Positive when temperature decreases with altitude.
Temperature Inversion: A condition where temperature increases with altitude, causing cold air to trap warmer air above it.
Carrying Capacity: The maximum population an environment can sustainably support, estimated at 10 to 15 billion people. Can be increased through improved agricultural practices and resource management.

Ecological Footprint

Measures the productive land area required to support human consumption and waste disposal, reflecting the demand on Earth's ecosystems.

Sustainable Environment/Sustainable Development

Involves actions that protect the environment and ensure it can support human life for future generations.
G.H. Brundtland defines sustainable development as meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs.
UNCED 1992 in Rio de Janeiro established Agenda 21, advocating for sustainable development across various sectors.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

A process to evaluate the potential environmental effects of a proposed project before execution, preventing future liabilities.
Requires project descriptions, site assessments, and baseline environmental data including land use, water resources, air quality, and biodiversity.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

Established in September 1974 under the Water Act, 1974 as a statutory body.
Advises the central government on pollution control and coordinates state-level efforts.
Engages in research, public outreach, and data compilation related to water pollution.

State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)

Develops programs for pollution control at the state level and advises state governments.
Collects data on water and air pollution and encourages public awareness and compliance with environmental regulations.

Prominent Environmental Organizations

Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS): Founded in 1883; focuses on wildlife research and has influenced conservation laws in India.
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-I): Established in 1969; engages in wildlife education and awareness across India.
Center for Science and Environment (CSE): Promotes environmental awareness through reports and campaigns, notably the "State of India’s Environment".
CPR Environmental Education Centre: Founded in 1988; creates public interest in environmental conservation.
Centre for Environment Education (CEE): Initiated in 1989; offers educational programs related to environmental issues.
Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Environment Education and Research (BVIEER): Part of Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, focusing on environmental education and research.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the Earth's atmosphere, focusing on the stratosphere and mesosphere. This quiz covers temperature variations, the ozone layer, and the characteristics of each layer. Perfect for students studying atmospheric sciences or environmental studies.