Lesson 2: : Structure and composition of atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere

Question 1

It is an integral part of the earth as it surrounds the earth from all sides.

Answer 1

Atmosphere

Question 2

It extends up to about 1600 kilometers from the earth’s surface.

Answer 2

Atmosphere

Question 3

This is where all kinds of weather changes takes place.

Answer 3

Troposphere

Question 4

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.

Answer 4

Stratosphere

Question 5

It is the third layer of the atmosphere. Temperature goes on decreasing and drops up to -1000°C. ‘Meteors’ or falling
stars occur.

Answer 5

Mesosphere

Question 6

Radio waves are reflected back on the earth from this sphere and due to this radio
broadcasting has become possible.

Answer 6

Ionosphere

Question 7

Gases are very sparse in this sphere due to the lack of gravitational force.
Therefore, the density of air is very less here.

Answer 7

Exosphere

Question 8

The atmosphere is made up of different types of gases. Name two main gases that consist the atmosphere.

Answer 8

78.1% is Nitrogen and 20.9% is Oxygen

Question 9

It made life possible on the earth as it is the source of all kinds of precipitation.

Answer 9

Water vapour

Question 10

Where do evaporation takes place?

Answer 10

Evaporation takes place in the oceans, seas, rivers, ponds and lakes.

Question 11

Where do Transpiration takes place?

Answer 11

Transpiration takes place from the plants, trees and living beings.

Question 12

It is generally found in the lower layers of the atmosphere.

Answer 12

Dust particles

Question 13

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.

Answer 13

Carbon Cycle

Question 14

It is produced through photosynthesis by the green plants goes back to the
atmosphere.

Answer 14

Oxygen Cycle

Question 15

Bacteria’s decompose dried plants and dead animals. It produces nitrogen gas
which goes back into the atmosphere.

Answer 15

Nitrogen Cycle

Question 16

What is the total volume of water in the hydrosphere?

Answer 16

1.5 Billion Cubic Kilometers

Question 17

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.

Answer 17

Pacific Ocean

Question 18

Located between the Americas and European/African
continents. Its name originates from a Greek god who carried the sky for eternity.

Answer 18

Atlantic Ocean

Question 19

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

Answer 19

Indian Ocean

Question 20

It is the newest ocean recognized by the International Hydrographic Organization.

Answer 20

Southern Ocean

Question 21

It is the world’s smallest and shallowest ocean. It is the coldest and the least salty.

Answer 21

Artic Ocean

Question 22

Who coined the term lithosphere? Who studied the motion of lithosphere over a molten layer.

Answer 22

Joseph Barrel (1914)

Question 23

Consist mainly of mafic (rich in magnesium and iron) crust and ultramafic

Answer 23

Oceanic Lithosphere

Question 24

Also knows as the continental crust. It is the layer of igneous, sedimentary rock that forms the continent and the continental shelves.

Answer 24

Continental Lithosphere

Question 25

It is the outermost layer of the earth with average density of 2.8-3.0 g/cm3 and average thickness of 30 kilometer.

Answer 25

Crust

Question 26

It is made of silicate rich iron and magnesium and is divided from the crust by a discontinuity called MOHOROVICIC DISCONTINUITY.

Answer 26

Mantle

Question 27

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.

Answer 27

Core

Question 28

Mantle and core boundary is called?

Answer 28

WEICHART – GUTENBERG Discontinuity

Question 29

They are formed from magma that cools beneath or upon the earth’s surface.

Answer 29

Igneous Rocks

Question 30

Rocks are weathered and eroded into tiny particles which are then transported and deposited along
with other rock particles

Answer 30

Sedimentary Rocks

Question 31

It is formed by applying great pressure and temperature to existing rock converting it into new distinct type of rock.

Answer 31

Metamorphic Rock

Question 32

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.

Answer 32

Biosphere

Question 33

Who coined the term “biosphere”? Which he defined as “The place on Earth’s surface where life dwelss”

Answer 33

Eduard Suess (1875)