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

Identify the wrong statement in the following

  1. Ozone layer does not permit infrared radiation from the sun to reach the earth.
  2. Acid rain is mostly because of oxides of carbon and sulphur.
  3. Chlorofluorocarbons are responsible for ozone layer depletion.
  4. Greenhouse effect is responsible for global warming. Select the correct answer.

  1. Only 1

  2. 1 and 2

  3. 1, 2 and 3

  4. 2 and 4

  5. 3 and 4

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Ozone layer does not permit the ultraviolet radiation from the sum to the earth. Acid rain is mostly because of oxides of nitrogen and sulphur.

Multiple choice

In which of the following layers of the atmosphere is ozone gas found?

  1. Stratosphere

  2. Ionosphere

  3. Troposphere

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

 The stratosphere is layered in temperature because ozone (O3) absorbs high energy UVB and UVC energy waves from the sun and are broken down into atomic oxygen (O1D) and diatomic oxygen (O2) at wavelengths below 1180 nm.

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

The Earth is surrounded by an ocean of gases we call the atmosphere. The atmosphere is important because it contains the air that most living things breathe. It also absorbs heat energy from the sun. It even recycles water by returning it back to the Earth as rain. Without the atmosphere, life as we know could not exist on Earth. The atmosphere extends about 600 kilometres (about 373 miles) above the surface of the Earth. Scientists discovered that the atmosphere is divided into layers, just like a layered cake. Each layer differs in thickness and in temperature. These layers also differ in composition – the types of gases that make up each layer.

Which of the following is not true about atmosphere?

  1. Atmosphere has the same temperature everywhere.

  2. An atmosphere is around 600 kilometers thick.

  3. Atmosphere is divided into layers.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

It is mentioned that “each layer differs in thickness and in temperature.”

Multiple choice

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question.

The Earth is surrounded by an ocean of gases we call the atmosphere. The atmosphere is important because it contains the air that most living things breathe. It also absorbs heat energy from the sun. It even recycles water by returning it back to the Earth as rain. Without the atmosphere, life as we know could not exist on Earth. The atmosphere extends about 600 kilometres (about 373 miles) above the surface of the Earth. Scientists discovered that the atmosphere is divided into layers, just like a layered cake. Each layer differs in thickness and in temperature. These layers also differ in composition – the types of gases that make up each layer.

Each layer differs in

  1. thickness and temperature

  2. composition

  3. Both (1) and (2)
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

All of these points have been mentioned in the last two lines of the text.

Multiple choice

Which one of the following may not be the reason of existence of life on the earth?

  1. There is an abundance of water.

  2. Presence of gases like Oxygen Carbon dioxide, Nitrogen, etc.

  3. There are different seasonal and climatic conditions.

  4. The distance from the Sun is too long.

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Earth is at an optimum distance from the Sun. Therefore, it is neither too hot nor too cold. The average temperature of this planet is nearly 150C,  which is suitable for the existence of life. 

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not affected due to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer?

  1. Rate of lung cancer

  2. Greater incidence of premature skin aging

  3. Enhanced incidence of severe sunburns

  4. Rate of skin cancer
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Rate of lung cancer is not affected due to depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. UVB causes no melanoma skin cancer and plays a major role in malignant melanoma development. In addition, UVB has been linked to cataracts. It is always important to protect your skin and eyes from the sun. Ozone layer depletion increases the amount of UVB and the risk of health effects. 

Multiple choice

Above the ozone layer, a layer of ions is present, which reflects

  1. radio waves

  2. infrared rays

  3. x-rays

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

Above the ozone layer, a layer of ions is present, which does not reflect ultraviolet rays, X-rays or infrared rays. While both oxygen and ozone together absorb 95 to 99.9% of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation, only ozone effectively absorbs the most energetic ultraviolet light, known as UV-C and UV-B.