Lesson 2: : Structure and composition of atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere Flashcards
It is an integral part of the earth as it surrounds the earth from all sides.
Atmosphere
It extends up to about 1600 kilometers from the earth’s surface.
Atmosphere
This is where all kinds of weather changes takes place.
Troposphere
This layer is spread up to the height of 50 km from the Earth’s surface. The air blows horizontal which is ideal for flying aircrafts.
Stratosphere
It is the third layer of the atmosphere. Temperature goes on decreasing and drops up to -1000°C. ‘Meteors’ or falling
stars occur.
Mesosphere
Radio waves are reflected back on the earth from this sphere and due to this radio
broadcasting has become possible.
Ionosphere
Gases are very sparse in this sphere due to the lack of gravitational force.
Therefore, the density of air is very less here.
Exosphere
The atmosphere is made up of different types of gases. Name two main gases that consist the atmosphere.
78.1% is Nitrogen and 20.9% is Oxygen
It made life possible on the earth as it is the source of all kinds of precipitation.
Water vapour
Where do evaporation takes place?
Evaporation takes place in the oceans, seas, rivers, ponds and lakes.
Where do Transpiration takes place?
Transpiration takes place from the plants, trees and living beings.
It is generally found in the lower layers of the atmosphere.
Dust particles
It is the cycle of gasses in the atmosphere where it gets dissolved in the water bodies and gets collected in the form of lime on the earth.
Carbon Cycle
It is produced through photosynthesis by the green plants goes back to the
atmosphere.
Oxygen Cycle
Bacteria’s decompose dried plants and dead animals. It produces nitrogen gas
which goes back into the atmosphere.
Nitrogen Cycle
What is the total volume of water in the hydrosphere?
1.5 Billion Cubic Kilometers
The largest ocean covering more than 30 percent of the Earth.
This is close to half of the water on Earth. It has the deepest trenches with an average
depth of 3800 m.
Pacific Ocean
Located between the Americas and European/African
continents. Its name originates from a Greek god who carried the sky for eternity.
Atlantic Ocean
It is bounded by four (4) tectonics plates. It is geologically
youngest of the five (5) oceans with spreading ridges at divergent plate boundaries.
For centuries Indian Ocean played very important role in trading
Indian Ocean
It is the newest ocean recognized by the International Hydrographic Organization.
Southern Ocean
It is the world’s smallest and shallowest ocean. It is the coldest and the least salty.
Artic Ocean
Who coined the term lithosphere? Who studied the motion of lithosphere over a molten layer.
Joseph Barrel (1914)
Consist mainly of mafic (rich in magnesium and iron) crust and ultramafic
Oceanic Lithosphere
Also knows as the continental crust. It is the layer of igneous, sedimentary rock that forms the continent and the continental shelves.
Continental Lithosphere
It is the outermost layer of the earth with average density of 2.8-3.0 g/cm3 and average thickness of 30 kilometer.
Crust
It is made of silicate rich iron and magnesium and is divided from the crust by a discontinuity called MOHOROVICIC DISCONTINUITY.
Mantle
It is the deepest layer of earth. It extends from a distance of 2,900 kilometers with an average density of 4.3 – 11 g/cm3.
Core
Mantle and core boundary is called?
WEICHART – GUTENBERG Discontinuity
They are formed from magma that cools beneath or upon the earth’s surface.
Igneous Rocks
Rocks are weathered and eroded into tiny particles which are then transported and deposited along
with other rock particles
Sedimentary Rocks
It is formed by applying great pressure and temperature to existing rock converting it into new distinct type of rock.
Metamorphic Rock
It is the global sum of all ecosystems. It is also known as the zone of life on earth, a closed and self-regulating system.
Biosphere
Who coined the term “biosphere”? Which he defined as “The place on Earth’s surface where life dwelss”
Eduard Suess (1875)
