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

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

What is the outermost layer of the sun called?

  1. Chromosphere

  2. Corona

  3. Photosphere

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

The Sun's layers from inner to outer are: Core → Radiative Zone → Convective Zone → Photosphere (visible surface) → Chromosphere → Corona. The Corona is the outermost layer, visible as a pearly white crown during total solar eclipses. Photosphere (C) is the visible surface, Chromosphere (A) is the thin layer above it.

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.  

Multiple choice

Global pollutants are those

  1. which are present throughout major oceans
  2. which are present in upper atmosphere

Which of the above is/are true?

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

A global pollutant refers to a pollutant whose damage is determined by its concentration in the upper atmosphere. Examples:

  1. Carbon dioxide is often cited as a contributor to the greenhouse effect.
  2. Chloroflourocarbon emissions are linked to ozone depletion.
Multiple choice

Which of following options is not right pertaining to the alterations in abiotic environment?

  1. In the troposphere, photo oxidation of hydrocarbons in the presence of nitrogen oxides, forms ozone.

  2. Annual alterations in temperature in marine environment are more distinct in temperate fresh water climates, than in other climates.

  3. At global level, activities of humans contribute 9 times more particulate matter or aerosols in to the atmosphere, than do natural processes.

  4. Temperature is the sticking factor in creation of aqueous currents and air currents.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

In the troposphere, photo oxidation of hydrocarbons in presence of nitrogen oxides, forms ozone - this option is not right.

Multiple choice

Which of following options is true?

  1. Up to about 15 km above the Earth’s surface, both ozone and chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) are injurious to life.

  2. Up to 15 km above the Earth’s surface, ozone is favorable to life but CFCs are injurious.

  3. Beyond about 20 km above the Earth’s surface, presence of ozone is important to life on Earth and CFCs are favorable.

  4. Beyond about 20 km above the surface of the Earth, ozone is important to life on Earth but CFCs are injurious.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Beyond about 20 km above the surface of the Earth, ozone is important to life on Earth but CFCs are injurious. Ozone gas absorbs the UV-radiation of sun & gets converted into oxygen (O2). This prevents mutagenic activities of UV-radiation of the living world. Each molecule of CFC destroys thousands of molecules of O3. 

Multiple choice

Ozone (O3) is formed in which zone of atmosphere?

  1. Mesosphere

  2. Stratosphere

  3. Troposphere

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

The ozone layer or ozone shield refers to a region of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Multiple choice

Out of the following, which is the most ideal layer of the atmosphere for flying aeroplanes?

  1. Troposphere

  2. Ionosphere

  3. Stratosphere

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

The stratosphere is ideal for flying because it contains the ozone layer, has minimal turbulence and weather phenomena, and provides stable air currents. The troposphere has weather and turbulence. The ionosphere and exosphere are too high for conventional aircraft and have extremely thin air.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

a. Oxygen constitutes up to 95-97% of the atmosphere on Venus and Mars. b. Green plants fix carbon dioxide. c. Many marine animals use carbonates dissolved in seawater to breathe.

  1. a only

  2. b only

  3. c only

  4. a and b

  5. b and c
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

This statement is correct. Green plants convert carbondioxide into glucose in the presence of sunlight. The process is called photosynthesis and carbon dioxide is fixed by plants through this. Thus, this is the correct answer.