You are here
π― The Big Questions
You met these questions at the very start of the chapter. Now that you have studied composition, layers, weather, monsoon and climate change, try to answer each one critically in your own words before checking the model answer.
Show Model Answers
1. What is the composition of the atmosphere?
Mainly nitrogen and oxygen, with smaller amounts of argon, carbon dioxide and other gases. It also has variable water vapour and dust, which help form clouds and rain.
2. How do the different layers of the atmosphere affect the Earth?
The troposphere supports life and weather; the stratosphere holds the ozone layer and allows smooth flights; the mesosphere burns up meteors; the thermosphere hosts auroras and radio waves; the exosphere fades into space.
3. What is the mechanism of monsoon?
Unequal heating of land and sea creates seasonal pressure differences. In summer, moist south-west winds blow from ocean to land. In winter, dry north-east winds blow from land to sea, picking up moisture over the Bay of Bengal to water the south-east coast.
4. How can we reduce our carbon footprint?
Use low-carbon transport, save electricity and water, reduce waste and single-use plastics, reuse and recycle, plant and protect trees, and use renewable energy.
