Environmental Studies · Geography

Atmospheric Structure and Ozone

1,319 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

Which of the following statements about polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) is/are false?

  1. Type I clouds are formed at about -77˚C and contain solid HNO3.3H2O.

  2. PSCs do not react with chlorine nitrate and HCl.

  3. A tight whirlpool of wind called polar vortex is formed which surrounds Antarctica.

  4. Type II clouds are formed at about -85˚C and contain some ice.

  5. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

This statement is correct because type I clouds are those which are formed at about -77˚C and contain solid HNO3.3H2O. Thus this option is wrong.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is true?

  1. Ozone is a monoatomic form of oxygen.

  2. Ozone is a poisonous gas.

  3. Ozone is present in the lower atmosphere.

  4. Ozone reflects the sun rays.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

 Ozone is a potent respiratory hazard and pollutant near ground level. The ozone layer (a portion of the stratosphere with a higher concentration of ozone, from two to eight ppm) is beneficial, preventing damaging ultraviolet light from reaching the Earth's surface, to the benefit of both plants and animals.  

Multiple choice

The effect of the depletion of an ozone layer is that _________________.

  1. the average temperature of earth's surface will increase

  2. the oxygen content of the atmosphere will decrease

  3. increased amount of ultraviolet radiation will reach earth's surface

  4. sea levels will decrease
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Ozone Layer acts as a shield for us from very harmful UV rays. If we damage the Ozone Layer, we would put ourselves at an increasingly greater risk.

Multiple choice

The major threat to the ozone layer is ______________.

  1. chlorofluorocarbons

  2. CO2

  3. Methane

  4. inert gases
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Chlorofluorocarbons are non-toxic, non-flammable and non-carcinogenic. They contain fluorine atoms, carbon atoms and chlorine atoms. CFCs released into the atmosphere accumulate in the stratosphere, where they have a deleterious effect on the ozone layer. In the stratosphere, the CFC molecules break down by the action of solar ultraviolet radiation and release their constituent chlorine atoms. These then react with the ozone molecules, resulting in their removal.

Multiple choice

Holes in the ozone layer are caused by ____________.

  1. CO2 gas

  2. SO2 gas

  3. CFCs

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

The destruction of the ozone shield is linked to to CFCs. Each of these products releases CFCs into the atmosphere. Once free, the CFCs float up to the ozone layer and remain there for 75 to 100 years, destroying the ozone molecules.