Environmental Studies · Geography

Atmospheric Structure and Ozone

1,401 Questions

Atmospheric structure and ozone layer topics examine the Earth's atmospheric layers, the impact of solar radiation, and ozone depletion mechanisms. These environmental science concepts are crucial for general awareness sections in multiple competitive examinations. Review these questions to solidify your understanding of the stratosphere, polar vortex effects, and greenhouse gases.

Earth's atmospheric layersOzone layer depletionSolar ultraviolet radiationPolar vortex effectsCarbon dioxide impactOzone-depleting substances

Atmospheric Structure and Ozone Questions

Multiple choice

What is albedo of the Earth?

  1. It is the fraction of solar energy reflected from the Earth back into space.

  2. It is the long wave radiation that is absorbed by the atmospheric gases.

  3. It is the process by which very small-suspended particles in the troposphere scatter visible spectrum towards the Earth's surface.

  4. It is the transfer of heat in middle latitudes, that gives most of dirunal variation in daily weather.

  5. It occurs when the amount of heat received in the form of insolation equals the amount lost by the Earth through terrestrial radiation.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

This is the correct answer. Albedo of the Earth is the fraction of solar energy which is in short wave radiation, that is reflected from the Earth back into space.

Multiple choice

Lightening causes rainfall because

  1. it causes combination of oxygen and nitrogen

  2. some of the gas molecules become bigger

  3. it activates H2O molecule

  4. photo-electricity reaction starts
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Multiple choice

The process of decomposition inside the Earth takes place _____.

  1. in the presence of O2 (oxygen)

  2. in the absence of O2

  3. in the presence of O3 (ozone)

  4. in the absence of CO2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Decomposition takes place deep under the surface of the earth due to the activity of anaerobic bacteria/microorganisms. Absence of oxygen is a pre-requisite for this.

Multiple choice

Ozone hole in the atmosphere is largely caused by the presence of

  1. oxygen

  2. hydrogen

  3. chlorofluoro carbon

  4. radioactive waste
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) release chlorine atoms when exposed to UV radiation, which then destroy ozone molecules. One chlorine atom can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules, creating the Antarctic ozone hole.

Multiple choice

The layer of atmosphere which makes radio communication possible is called

  1. exosphere

  2. troposphere

  3. ionosphere

  4. stratosphere
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The ionosphere is the atmospheric layer extending from about 60km to 1,000km altitude that contains ionized particles. These charged particles reflect radio waves back to Earth, enabling long-distance radio communication beyond the horizon. The exosphere is the outermost layer, while the troposphere (where weather occurs) and stratosphere (where the ozone layer exists) don't have this property.

Multiple choice

The layer of atmosphere which makes radio communication possible is

  1. exosphere

  2. troposphere

  3. ionosphere

  4. stratosphere
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The ionosphere contains ionized particles that reflect radio waves back to Earth, enabling long-distance radio communication. The exosphere is too thin while the troposphere and stratosphere lack sufficient ionization.

Multiple choice

The protective-ozone layer is present in

  1. ionosphere

  2. stratosphere

  3. troposphere

  4. lithosphere
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The ozone layer, which absorbs harmful UV radiation from the sun, is located in the stratosphere (approximately 10-50 km altitude). The troposphere is where we live and weather occurs, the ionosphere is much higher, and the lithosphere is Earth's crust.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements best describes the ozone layer?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the question.

We are today faced with a great ecological problem for which we ourselves are largely responsible. Our planet, the Earth, the only home of man is bathed in a steady rain of the sun's rays. Most of these rays supply us heat and light, but a small percentage is deadly. These are the ultraviolet - B rays (or UV - B). If these were to get to the surface of the Earth directly, they would kill us off. Luckily, the Earth’s surface is shielded from these rays by the ozone layer; but sadly enough this ozone layer is being destroyed by man.
The ozone layer is formed from a kind of oxygen with three atoms (O3) instead of the normal two (O2). Ozone oc­curs naturally in the stratosphere, several kilometres above the Earth's surface. It absorbs the dangerous UV -B rays but allows the much needed and safe light to pass through. There, in the stratosphere, it is constantly being created by the sun's rays; thus it is a self-repairing shield. But man is now gradu­ally destroying this vital shield with his industrial gases. The most lethal of these gases are the chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, which are used in making all kinds of foamed plastic products, propellants in spray cans, coolants in air condi­tioners and refrigerators and solvents to clean electronic equip­ment.
Down here, they are not lethal. But after they have leaked from air conditioners, plastic foam, cups, etc.; they slowly drift up to the stratosphere where, bombarded by ultraviolet rays, they break up at last, releasing chlorine, the real ozone killer. Sadly, one chlorine molecule may remain active for a century, destroying thousands of ozone molecules.

  1. It stops the UV Rays from reaching the earth's surface.

  2. It absorbs the UV rays and allows the much needed safe light to pass through.

  3. It contains deadly gases.

  4. It is made up of Oxygen and CFC molecules.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Multiple choice

Which of the following is known as the real ozone killer?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the question.

We are today faced with a great ecological problem for which we ourselves are largely responsible. Our planet, the Earth, the only home of man is bathed in a steady rain of the sun's rays. Most of these rays supply us heat and light, but a small percentage is deadly. These are the ultraviolet - B rays (or UV - B). If these were to get to the surface of the Earth directly, they would kill us off. Luckily, the Earth’s surface is shielded from these rays by the ozone layer; but sadly enough this ozone layer is being destroyed by man.
The ozone layer is formed from a kind of oxygen with three atoms (O3) instead of the normal two (O2). Ozone oc­curs naturally in the stratosphere, several kilometres above the Earth's surface. It absorbs the dangerous UV -B rays but allows the much needed and safe light to pass through. There, in the stratosphere, it is constantly being created by the sun's rays; thus it is a self-repairing shield. But man is now gradu­ally destroying this vital shield with his industrial gases. The most lethal of these gases are the chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, which are used in making all kinds of foamed plastic products, propellants in spray cans, coolants in air condi­tioners and refrigerators and solvents to clean electronic equip­ment.
Down here, they are not lethal. But after they have leaked from air conditioners, plastic foam, cups, etc.; they slowly drift up to the stratosphere where, bombarded by ultraviolet rays, they break up at last, releasing chlorine, the real ozone killer. Sadly, one chlorine molecule may remain active for a century, destroying thousands of ozone molecules.

  1. Refrigerators & air conditioners

  2. Chlorofluorocarbons

  3. Chlorine

  4. Propellants
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The passage explicitly states that when CFCs reach the stratosphere and are bombarded by UV rays, 'they break up at last, releasing chlorine, the real ozone killer.' This clearly identifies chlorine, not CFCs themselves, as the actual substance that destroys ozone molecules. CFCs are merely carriers that release chlorine when they break down.

Multiple choice

The ozone layer is

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the question.

We are today faced with a great ecological problem for which we ourselves are largely responsible. Our planet, the Earth, the only home of man is bathed in a steady rain of the sun's rays. Most of these rays supply us heat and light, but a small percentage is deadly. These are the ultraviolet - B rays (or UV - B). If these were to get to the surface of the Earth directly, they would kill us off. Luckily, the Earth’s surface is shielded from these rays by the ozone layer; but sadly enough this ozone layer is being destroyed by man.
The ozone layer is formed from a kind of oxygen with three atoms (O3) instead of the normal two (O2). Ozone oc­curs naturally in the stratosphere, several kilometres above the Earth's surface. It absorbs the dangerous UV -B rays but allows the much needed and safe light to pass through. There, in the stratosphere, it is constantly being created by the sun's rays; thus it is a self-repairing shield. But man is now gradu­ally destroying this vital shield with his industrial gases. The most lethal of these gases are the chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, which are used in making all kinds of foamed plastic products, propellants in spray cans, coolants in air condi­tioners and refrigerators and solvents to clean electronic equip­ment.
Down here, they are not lethal. But after they have leaked from air conditioners, plastic foam, cups, etc.; they slowly drift up to the stratosphere where, bombarded by ultraviolet rays, they break up at last, releasing chlorine, the real ozone killer. Sadly, one chlorine molecule may remain active for a century, destroying thousands of ozone molecules.

  1. a man-made shield located in the stratosphere

  2. a naturally occurring shield in the stratosphere

  3. a shield made of various industrial gases

  4. a shield formed as a result of heavy rains
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The passage clearly states that 'Ozone occurs naturally in the stratosphere' and that it is 'constantly being created by the sun's rays; thus it is a self-repairing shield.' This confirms it's a naturally occurring shield. Option A incorrectly says it's man-made. Option C is wrong because it's not made of industrial gases. Option D is incorrect because it's not formed by rains.

Multiple choice

The greatest threat to the ozone layer is from

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the question.

We are today faced with a great ecological problem for which we ourselves are largely responsible. Our planet, the Earth, the only home of man is bathed in a steady rain of the sun's rays. Most of these rays supply us heat and light, but a small percentage is deadly. These are the ultraviolet - B rays (or UV - B). If these were to get to the surface of the Earth directly, they would kill us off. Luckily, the Earth’s surface is shielded from these rays by the ozone layer; but sadly enough this ozone layer is being destroyed by man.
The ozone layer is formed from a kind of oxygen with three atoms (O3) instead of the normal two (O2). Ozone oc­curs naturally in the stratosphere, several kilometres above the Earth's surface. It absorbs the dangerous UV -B rays but allows the much needed and safe light to pass through. There, in the stratosphere, it is constantly being created by the sun's rays; thus it is a self-repairing shield. But man is now gradu­ally destroying this vital shield with his industrial gases. The most lethal of these gases are the chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, which are used in making all kinds of foamed plastic products, propellants in spray cans, coolants in air condi­tioners and refrigerators and solvents to clean electronic equip­ment.
Down here, they are not lethal. But after they have leaked from air conditioners, plastic foam, cups, etc.; they slowly drift up to the stratosphere where, bombarded by ultraviolet rays, they break up at last, releasing chlorine, the real ozone killer. Sadly, one chlorine molecule may remain active for a century, destroying thousands of ozone molecules.

  1. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's)

  2. UV – B Rays

  3. O3 molecules

  4. Foamed plastic products
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The passage identifies CFCs as 'the most lethal of these gases' and explains they are used in various products. While chlorine is the immediate ozone-killer, CFCs are the greatest threat because they transport chlorine to the stratosphere and release it there. UV-B rays are what the ozone protects against, not a threat to it. O3 molecules are the ozone itself, not a threat. Foamed plastic products contain CFCs but aren't the direct threat.

Multiple choice

Which word in the passage is a synonym of 'deadly'?

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the question.

We are today faced with a great ecological problem for which we ourselves are largely responsible. Our planet, the Earth, the only home of man is bathed in a steady rain of the sun's rays. Most of these rays supply us heat and light, but a small percentage is deadly. These are the ultraviolet - B rays (or UV - B). If these were to get to the surface of the Earth directly, they would kill us off. Luckily, the Earth’s surface is shielded from these rays by the ozone layer; but sadly enough this ozone layer is being destroyed by man.
The ozone layer is formed from a kind of oxygen with three atoms (O3) instead of the normal two (O2). Ozone oc­curs naturally in the stratosphere, several kilometres above the Earth's surface. It absorbs the dangerous UV -B rays but allows the much needed and safe light to pass through. There, in the stratosphere, it is constantly being created by the sun's rays; thus it is a self-repairing shield. But man is now gradu­ally destroying this vital shield with his industrial gases. The most lethal of these gases are the chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, which are used in making all kinds of foamed plastic products, propellants in spray cans, coolants in air condi­tioners and refrigerators and solvents to clean electronic equip­ment.
Down here, they are not lethal. But after they have leaked from air conditioners, plastic foam, cups, etc.; they slowly drift up to the stratosphere where, bombarded by ultraviolet rays, they break up at last, releasing chlorine, the real ozone killer. Sadly, one chlorine molecule may remain active for a century, destroying thousands of ozone molecules.

  1. Shielded

  2. Lethal

  3. Vital

  4. Active
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Multiple choice

In atmosphere the lowermost layer is

  1. Troposphere

  2. Exosphere

  3. Ionosphere

  4. Strato sphere
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, extending from the surface to about 10-15 km altitude. It contains approximately 75% of the atmosphere's mass and is where all weather phenomena occur. The stratosphere lies above it, followed by the mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere extending outward.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is also called ozonosphere?

  1. Troposphere

  2. Stratosphere

  3. Mesosphere

  4. Thermosphere

  5. Exosphere
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

It lies just above the troposphere and in the lower portion there is maximum concentration of ozone due to which it is called ozonosphere.