1. Introduction to atmosphere

Do you remember the four important spheres of Earth? Yes, they are Lithosphere, Atmosphere, Hydrosphere and Biosphere. In this chapter, we will understand the composition and structure of the atmosphere, learn the difference between weather and climate, factors influencing weather and climate, and recognize the classification of clouds, wind and rainfall.

 

Can you imagine a day on Earth without air? It is impossible even for a couple of minutes to survive on the Earth without air. The air around us is a mixture of various gases.

 

The atmosphere is an essential constituent of life on the Earth, and does many things for its survival and protection. The atmosphere serves as a big blanket that covers the Earth and protects it from harmful radiation from the Sun. It absorbs the solar heat and keeps the heat inside the atmosphere helping the Earth stay warm (Greenhouse Effect). It also maintains the overall temperature of the Earth fairly steady, especially between night and day, so that we are not exposed to freezing nights and scorching days.

 

Ozone layer is a part of the atmosphere. It helps to protect the Earth from harmful Ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. The atmosphere helps to form our weather patterns and climatic zones. The weather prevents from too much hot air forming in one place. It also causes storms and rainfall. All these are essential for functioning of life and ecology of the Earth.