Atmosphere and Climate

0% Watched
Video progress will update as you watch

Detailed Summary

  • The atmosphere is a blanket of air surrounding the Earth. It contains life-supporting gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, and it protects life by controlling temperature and filtering harmful radiation. The climate of a region is the long-term pattern of temperature, rainfall, humidity, and winds in that area.

Structure of the Atmosphere

  • The atmosphere is divided into layers:
    • Troposphere (0–12 km): Lowest layer, contains weather changes (rain, storms, winds, clouds).
    • Stratosphere (12-50 km): Contains the ozone layer, which blocks harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
    • Mesosphere (50–80 km): Coldest layer; meteors burn up here.
    • Thermosphere (80–500 km): Very hot; auroras occur here; space shuttles orbit in this region.
    • Exosphere (above 500 km): Outermost layer, merges with outer space.

Weather vs Climate

  • Weather: Short-term condition of the atmosphere at a place (daily changes in temperature, rainfall, humidity, winds).
  • Climate: Average weather pattern of a place over a long period (usually 30 years or more).
  • Example: Delhi’s weather today may be rainy, but its climate is subtropical.

Factors Affecting Climate

  • Latitude:
    • Near equator → hot climate.
    • Near poles → cold climate.
    • Middle latitudes → moderate climate.
  • Altitude: Higher places (mountains) are cooler than lowlands.
  • Distance from the sea:
    • Coastal areas → moderate climate (less variation).
    • Inland areas → extreme climate (hot summers, cold winters).
  • Ocean currents: Warm and cold currents influence coastal temperatures.
  • Relief features: Mountains block winds and rainfall, causing rain-shadow areas.

Importance of Atmosphere

  • Provides oxygen and carbon dioxide for life.
  • Absorbs harmful UV radiation (ozone layer).
  • Controls Earth’s temperature (greenhouse effect).
  • Helps in rainfall and water cycle.
  • Protects Earth from meteors.

Human Impact on Atmosphere and Climate

  • Air pollution from industries and vehicles.
  • Greenhouse effect and global warming due to rising CO₂, methane, and other gases.
  • Climate change: Unusual weather patterns, melting of glaciers, rising sea levels.
  • Ozone layer depletion by CFCs.

Conservation of Atmosphere and Climate

  • Reduce fossil fuel use, adopt renewable energy.
  • Plant more trees (afforestation).
  • International agreements like Paris Agreement (climate change) and Montreal Protocol (ozone protection).
  • Public awareness and sustainable practices.