KSEEB Solutions Class 8 Geography Chapter 3 Atmosphere Points To Remember
The atmosphere is a thin layer of gases, dust particles, and water vapor surrounding the Earth. The atmosphere traps heat and makes Earth a planet for all living organisms. The atmosphere is a mixture of different gases, dust particles, and water vapor. The atmosphere may be divided into five important layers on the basis of its characteristic features. These are Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere (Ionosphere), and Exosphere. The troposphere has all the atmospheric elements such as temperature, pressure, winds, clouds, rainfall, etc.
Temperature and pressure decrease with the increase in altitude.
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The stratosphere is the second layer of the atmosphere. Ozone is the most important gas which absorbs the ultraviolet rays of the sun and protects all forms of life on Earth.
The stratosphere is free from clouds and other important weather phenomena and provides ideal flying conditions for jet aircraft.
The mesosphere is the third layer in the Earth’s atmosphere. This layer has the coldest temperature in the atmosphere.
The thermosphere layer lies next to Mesosphere. In this layer, the temperature rises drastically. It is also called the ‘Ionosphere’ as the gaseous atoms are ionized due to very high temperatures. The ions found in this layer help in reflecting radio waves.
The exosphere is the topmost layer of the atmosphere. In this layer elements of the atmosphere are rare and pressure is extremely low.
The weather condition of a place is influenced by various elements such as temperature, pressure, wind, humidity, clouds, rainfall, etc.
The atmospheric condition of a place at a given time is called ‘Weather’. In contrast, the average weather condition of an area over a long period of time is called ‘Climate’.
Insolation means incoming solar radiation from the sun to the Earth. Temperature is recorded by an instrument called a ‘thermometer’. Centigrade and Fahrenheit are important thermometers used to measure atmospheric temperature.
The normal lapse rate is the decreasing rate of temperature with the increase of altitude. The rate of decrease is 10 C for every 165 meters or 6.40 C for every 1000 meters of height (1 km).
The wind is the horizontal movement of the air on the surface of the Earth.
The direction of the wind is shown by an instrument called a ‘wind vane’ or ‘weather cock’. ‘Anemometer’ is used to measure the speed of the wind.
Winds are classified into 4 major types. They are; Planetary winds, Seasonal winds, Local winds, Cyclones, and Anticyclones.
Polar winds are also called Easterlies. These winds blow from polar high-pressure belts to subpolar low-pressure belts.
Seasonal winds are also called periodic winds. These winds change their direction periodically or seasonally.
Periodic winds are the result of variations in local temperature, pressure, and humidity which in turn are attributed to the formation of air currents, crossing mountain ranges, valleys, and other relief barriers.
Kseeb Solutions For Class 8 Geography Chapter 3 Pdf
The important periodic and local winds are Land breeze, Sea breeze, Mountain breeze (Katabatic winds), Valley breeze (Anabatic winds) and other few winds are Loo (India), Chinook or Snow eater (USA), Fohn (Alps region), Mistral (France), Sirocco (Sahara region), Brick Fielder (Australia), Blizzard (Antarctica), etc.
Climate is the average condition of the atmosphere over a long period of time in a larger area Example:- Equatorial climate, Tropical monsoon climate, Desert climate, Mediterranean climate, Tundra climate, etc. The scientific study of climate is called ‘Climatology’.
The factors that influence the climate of a place or region are Latitude, altitude, winds, distance from the sea, distribution of land and water bodies, ocean currents, etc.
Kseeb Solutions Class 8 Geography Chapter 3 Notes
Atmosphere Exercises
Fill in the blanks with suitable words:
- The two major gases of the atmosphere are Nitrogen and Oxygen.
- The lowest layer of the atmosphere is Troposphere.
- The average air pressure of the atmosphere at sea level is 1013.25 MB.
- Westerlies is also known as Anti-trade Winds
- The scientific study of weather is ‘Meteorology’
Answer the following questions:
Question 1. What is the atmosphere?
Answer: The atmosphere is a thin layer of gases, dust particles, and water vapor surrounding the Earth.
Question 2. Name the important layers of the atmosphere.
Answer: Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere (Ionosphere), and Exosphere are the important layers of the atmosphere.
Question 3. What is the significance of the ozone layer?
Answer: Ozone is the most important gas which absorbs ‘ultraviolet rays’ of the sun and protects all forms of life on the Earth.
Question 4. What is Doldrum? Where is it found?
Answer: Equatorial low-pressure belt is a calm region with very little wind. So it is known as ‘Doldrum’ means ‘belt of calm’ (equatorial calm). It is found in the Equatorial low-pressure belt.
Question 5. Name the different types of planetary winds.
Answer: Trade winds, Anti-trade winds, and Polar winds are three types of planetary winds.
Question 6. What are local winds? Give any two examples.
Answer: Periodic winds are the result of variations in local temperature, pressure, and humidity which in turn are attributed to the formation of air currents, crossing mountain ranges, valleys, and other relief barriers. Examples: Land breeze, Seabreeze, Mountain breeze
Question 7. Mention the different types of clouds.
Answer: The important types of clouds are the Stratus, the Cumulus, the Cirrus, and the Nimbus clouds.
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Question 8. Distinguish between weather and climate.
Answer: The atmospheric conditions of a smaller area at a particular time are called weather. For example cloudy, sunny, fine weather, etc. The scientific study of weather is called ‘Meteorology’. Climate is the average condition of the atmosphere over a long period of time in a larger area Example:- Equatorial climate, Tropical monsoon climate, Desert climate, Mediterranean climate, Tundra climate, etc. The scientific study of climate is called ‘Climatology’.
Atmosphere Define the following:
- Ionosphere: Thermosphere is also called the ‘Ionosphere’ as the gaseous atoms are ionized due to very high temperatures.
- Normal lapse rate: Normal lapse rate is the decreasing rate of temperature with the increase of altitude. The rate of decrease is 1 C for every 165 meters or 6.4 C for every 1000 meters of height (1 km).
- Torrid zone: Torrid zone is found between 0 or the Equator and Tropic of Cancer in the north (2314 N) and the Equator and Tropic of Capricorn (2314° S) in the south.
- Horse latitudes: North sub-tropical high-pressure belt is found between 30 and 35 north latitudes. This region is also popularly called ‘Horse latitudes’.
- Orographic rainfall: The rainfall which occurs in mountain areas is called Orographic rainfall also called ‘Mountainrainfall’ or ‘Reliefrainfall’.
- Climatology: The scientific study of climate is called ‘Climatology’.
Atmosphere Terms to remember:
- Insolation: Insolation means incoming solar radiation from the sun to the Earth.
- Inversion of temperature: In some situations, temperature also increases with increasing height. This takes place in mountain valleys during long winter nights with the dear sky, dry air, no wind, and snow-covered surface.
- Anemometer: ‘Anemometer’ is used to measure the speed of the wind.
- Roaring forties: The westerlies of the southern hemisphere are very strong over the oceans. Hence they are called ‘Roaring forties’ (40 south latitude)
- Nimbus: Nimbus clouds are rain clouds that occur at low levels.
- Meteorology: The scientific study of weather is called ‘Meteorology’.
Atmosphere Additional Questions And Answers
Choose the correct alternative and Write the complete answer along with its alphabet in the sheet provided:
Question 1. The lowest layer of the atmosphere is
- Troposphere
- Stratosphere
- Mesosphere
- Thermosphere
Answer: 1. Troposphere
Question 2. All weather changes occur in the
- Stratosphere
- Mesosphere
- Thermosphere
- Tropo sphere
Answer: 4. Troposphere
Question 3. The ozone layer is present in
- Stratosphere
- Mesosphere
- Thermosphere
- Tropo sphere
Answer: 1. Stratosphere
Kseeb Class 8 Geography Chapter 3 Important Questions
Question 4. The layer which provides ideal flying conditions for jet aircraft is
- Troposphere
- Mesosphere
- Exosphere
- Stratosphere
Answer: 4. Stratosphere
Question 5. The coldest temperature is found in
- Troposphere
- Mesosphere
- Exosphere
- Stratosphere
Answer: 2. Mesosphere
Question 6. The layer which is also called ‘Ionosphere’ is
- Troposphere
- Mesosphere
- Thermosphere
- Stratosphere
Answer: 3. Thermosphere
KSEEB Geography Chapter 3 Class 8 Multiple Choice Questions
Question 7. The topmost layer of the atmosphere is
- Troposphere
- Mesosphere
- Exosphere
- Stratosphere
Answer: 3. Exosphere
Kseeb Class 8 Social Science Geography Chapter 3 Exercise Answers
Question 8. The rate of decrease is lo C for every
- 165 meters
- 167 meters
- 169 meters
- 170 meters
Answer: 1. 165 meters
Question 9. The zone of high temperature is
- Temperate zone
- Torrid zone
- Frigid zone
- Isotherms Zone
Answer: 2. Torrid zone
Question 10. The region where the temperature is neither very hot nor cold is
- Temperate zone
- Torrid zone
- Frigid zone
- Isotherms Zone
Answer: 1. Temperate zone
Question 11. The place which has been recorded the highest temperature in summer in India is
- A1 Aziziya
- Verkhoyansk
- Ganganagar
- Vostok
Answer: 3. Ganganagar
Question 12. The coldest place on the Earth is
- A1 Aziziya of Libya
- Verkhoyansk of Siberia
- Ganganagar of Rajasthan
- Vostok of Antarctica
Answer: 4. Vostok of Antarctica
Question 13. The clouds which are associated with fair weather are
- Stratus clouds
- Cumulus clouds
- Cirrus clouds
- Nimbus clouds
Answer: 1. Stratus clouds
Question 14. The clouds which are popularly called ‘wool packs’ are
- Stratus clouds
- Cumulus clouds
- Cirrus clouds
- Nimbus clouds
Answer: 2. Cumulus clouds
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Question 15. The rain-bearing clouds are
- Stratus clouds
- Cumulus clouds
- Cirrus clouds
- White clouds
Answer: 2. Cumulus clouds
Question 16. The highest clouds in the atmosphere are
- Stratus clouds
- Cumulus clouds
- Cirrus clouds
- Nimbus clouds
Answer: 3. Cirrus clouds
Question 17. The clouds which resemble ‘curls of hair’ are
- Stratus clouds
- Cumulus clouds
- Cirrus clouds
- Nimbus clouds
Answer: 3. Cirrus clouds
Class 8 Geography Chapter 3 Guide On Atmosphere KSEEB
Fill in the blanks with suitable words:
- Air pressure is measured by an instrument called a Barometer
- Temperature is recorded by an instrument called a thermometer
- The unit used to show the pressure is millibar (Mb)
- The direction of the wind is shown by an instrument called ‘weather cock’.
- The instrument which is used to measure the speed of the wind is an ‘Anemometer’
- Humidity is measured by using an instrument called a Hygrometer or Psychrometer.
- The dark grey or black clouds are Nimbus
Atmosphere Match The Following:
1. Match the following words in column A with their descriptions in column ‘B’
A B
Mawsynram The driest region on the Earth
Agumbe The least rainfall region in India
Royal The driest place in Karnataka
Nayakanahatti The highest rainfall region in the
world
Atacama The highest rainfall region in
Karnataka
Answer:
A B
Mawsynram the highest rainfall region in the world
Agumbe the highest rainfall region in Karnataka
Royal the least rainfall region in India
Nayakanahatti the driest place in Karnataka
Atacama the driest region on the Earth
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2. Match the following words in column A with their descriptions in column ‘B’
A B
Loo France
Chinook Alps region
Fohn Sahara region
Mistral India
Sirocco USA
Answer:
A B
Loo India
Chinook USA
Fohn Alps region
Mistral France
Sirocco Sahara region
3. Match the following words in column A with their descriptions in column ‘B’
A B
Japan Whirlpool
Mexico Typhoon
Australia Cyclone
India Hurricane
Russia Willy willes
Answer:
A B
Japan Typhoon
Mexico Hurricane
Australia Willy willes
India Cyclone
Russia Whirlpool
Atmosphere Answer the following questions in a sentence:
Question 1. What are Isotherms?
Answer: Isotherms are lines drawn on the map or globe connecting places having the same temperature.
Question 2. Why does the temperature decrease in Frigid Zone?
Answer: The temperature in this zone is very low due to the slanting rays of the sun. In summer the temperature is slightly high and in winter the temperature is low.
Question 3. What is atmospheric pressure?
Answer: Air has weight and it exerts pressure. This is called atmospheric pressure.
Question 4.The regions which have high-temperature record low pressure. Why?
Answer: The regions which have high-temperature record low pressure due to the expansion of air, while the regions of low temperature have high pressure due to the contraction of air.
Solutions For Atmosphere KSEEB Class 8 Geography
Question 5. What are isobars?
Answer: Isobars are imaginary lines drawn on the map or globe connecting places having the same pressure.
Question 6. What is wind?
Answer: Wind is the horizontal movement of the air on the surface of the Earth.
Question 7. What is Cloud?
Answer: Cloud is a mass of small water drops or ice crystals, formed by the condensation of the water in the atmosphere, usually at a considerable height above the Earth’s surface.
Question 8. How are the Clouds classified?
Answer: Clouds are classified on the basis of their shapes and heights at which they occur.
Question 9. What is Humidity?
Answer: Humidity is the amount of water vapor or moisture present in the air.
Kseeb Class 8 Geography Chapter 3 Atmosphere Question Answers
Question 10. What is Absolute humidity?
Answer: Absolute humidity refers to the total amount of water vapor present in a given volume of air.
Question 11. What is Relative humidity?
Answer: Relative humidity is the ratio between the actual amount of water vapor present in the air and the amount of water vapor the air can hold at that temperature.
Question 12. What is Specific humidity?
Answer: Specific humidity is the actual amount of water vapor present in a given mass of air.
Question 13. What is Rainfall?
Answer: Precipitation in the form of water droplets is called rainfall.
Question 14. What is called ‘afternoon rain’?
Answer: In the equatorial region, convectional rainfall is called ‘afternoon rain’, as it occurs mostly in the afternoon.
Question 15. What is the ‘rain shadow region’?
Answer: The windward side of the mountain receives more rainfall, while the leeward side receives less. The leeward side is generally called the ‘rain shadow region’.
Atmosphere Answer the following questions in four to five sentences each:
Question 1. Write the extension of Atmosphere.
Answer: The atmosphere is a thin layer of gases, dust particles, and water vapor surrounding the Earth. This layer of gases forms a protective boundary between outer space and the Earth’s surface. The thickness of the atmosphere is around 1000 km.
Question 2. How does the Atmosphere support life?
Answer: The atmosphere is very important for all forms of life on earth. Different gases in the atmosphere help plants, animals, and human beings. The atmosphere traps heat and makes Earth a planet for all living organisms.
Question 3. Write the composition of the atmosphere.
Answer: The atmosphere is a mixture of different gases, dust particles, and water vapor. The important gases in the atmosphere are Nitrogen – 78.08%, Oxygen- 20.94% and the remaining 1% consists of Argon – 0.93%, Carbon dioxide – 0.03%, Ozone – 0.000005%, etc. The atmosphere also contains dust particles which help us in the formation of water droplets. The water vapor in the atmosphere is the source of clouds and precipitation.
Question 4. Which are the five layers of the Atmosphere?
Answer: Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere (Ionosphere), and Exosphere are the five layers of the Atmosphere.
Question 5. Why is Troposphere called a Weather breeder?
Answer: Troposphere has all the atmospheric elements such as temperature, pressure, winds, clouds, rainfall, etc. All weather changes occur in the troposphere. Temperature and pressure decrease with the increase in altitude.
Question 6. Why is Thermosphere also called ‘Ionosphere’?
Answer: In the Thermosphere layer temperature rises drastically. It is also called the ‘Ionosphere’ as the gaseous atoms are ionized due to very high temperatures.
Question 7. Which are the important factors that influence atmospheric temperature?
Answer: The important factors that influence atmospheric temperature are latitude, altitude or height, distance from the sea, wind, ocean currents, relief, clouds, rainfall, etc.
Class 8 Geography Chapter 3 Atmosphere Kseeb
Question 8. Name major pressure belts of the Earth.
Answer:
The major pressure belts of the Earth are:
- The Equatorial low-pressure belt
- North Sub- tropical high-pressure belt
- South Sub-tropical high-pressure belt
- North -Sub- Polar low-pressure belt
- South Sub-polar low-pressure belt
- North Polar high-pressure belt
- South Polar High-pressure belt
Question 9. Why is the Equatorial low-pressure belt also called Inter- Tropical Convergence Zone?
Answer: Equatorial low-pressure belt is also called Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) where the trade winds converge.
Question 10. Name the different types of wind.
Answer: Winds are classified into 4 major types. They are; Planetary winds, Seasonal winds, Local winds, Cyclones, and Anticyclones.
Question 11. Name the three types of planetary winds.
Answer: Trade winds, Anti-trade winds, and Polar winds are three types of planetary winds.
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Question 12. Differentiate between Cyclonoes and AntiCyclones.
Answer:
A cyclone is a small low-pressure area in the center surrounded by high pressure. The winds blow spirally toward the low-pressure area
In the northern hemisphere, the direction of cyclonic winds is anti-clockwise or counterclockwise and in the southern hemisphere, it is clockwise.
An anti-cycling is a high-pressure area in the center with winds blowing outwards, towards the low-pressure areas.
In the northern hemisphere, the direction of the anti-cyclone wind is clockwise and in the southern hemisphere, it is anti-clockwise.
Question 13. Differentiate between Cumulus clouds and Nimbus clouds.
Answer:
Cumulus clouds are cauliflower-shaped clouds of great vertical extent. The base of cumulus clouds is nearly horizontal, while the top has a dome-shaped appearance. These are popularly called ‘wool packs’. Cumulus clouds are rain-bearing clouds.
Nimbus clouds are rain clouds that occur at low levels. These clouds have the shape of a stratus or cumulus. They are dark grey or black in appearance. They cause heavy rainfall or snowfall. The Nimbostratus are thick, heavy, rain-bearing clouds.
Question 14. Differentiate between Stratus clouds and Cirrus clouds.
Answer:
Stratus clouds are usually low clouds occurring at less than 2 km in height. They appear as thin sheets or layers of large extent. Stratus clouds are associated with fair weather.
Cirrus clouds are the highest clouds in the atmosphere. These clouds resemble curls of hair and have a feathery or fibrous appearance. They indicate fair weather and often give a brilliant sunset. They look like patches of cotton fibers floating in the air. Their popular name is ‘mare’s tail’ or ‘witch’s broom’.
Question 15. Name the different types of Humidity.
Answer: Absolute humidity, Relative humidity, and Specific humidity are the different types of Humidity.