Skip to main content

Atmosphere: Meaning, Definition and Characteristics

Image
By

Introduction

Of all the planets known so far, our Earth is the only planet where life is possible and this is because life-sustaining water and oxygen exist here. air which is a mixture of many gases; has surrounded the earth from all sides. This circle of air is called the atmosphere. Atmosphere is an integral part of our earth which is attached to it due to the gravity of the earth.

It is very important in blocking harmful ultraviolet rays and maintaining a temperature conducive to life. Apart from gases, water vapor and dust particles are also found in the atmosphere. Weather events are possible only because of the atmosphere. Let us now know about the meaning and definition, characteristics and composition of the atmosphere.


Meaning of Atmosphere:

Atmosphere is a thin layer of colourless, odourless, tasteless gases and dust particles and water vapour, which surrounds the earth and which forms a protective boundary between the space and the biosphere. Scientists have not been able to estimate the height of the atmosphere accurately till date.

Some scientists believe its upper limit to be 480 km, some 1000 km and some 30000 km. It remains with the Earth due to its gravity and it revolves around the Sun along with the Earth's rotation.

Definitions of Atmosphere:

According to Monkhouse, “The atmosphere is a thin layer of gas held together by the earth by gravity.”

According to Critchfield, “Atmosphere is such a deep cover of gases and suspended solid and liquid particles that it completely surrounds the earth.”

According to Finch and Trivartha, “A cover of gases is wrapped around the earth as an integral part of the earth, which is called the atmosphere.

Characteristics or features of the atmosphere:

  1. The air of the atmosphere is a colourless, odorless and tasteless substance. Along with this it is also dynamic. We feel wind only when horizontal flow is generated in it.
  2. Although air is not as dense as water, yet it has its own weight which exerts pressure on the surface, which is called air pressure. This air pressure above sea level is 1034 grams per square centimeter.
  3. The density of air decreases with increase in height from the ground. The air near the ground becomes heavy and becomes lighter as it goes upwards. This happens because of the gravity of the earth. Due to gravity, heavy substances or gases get collected near the surface and lighter gases remain above.
  4. About half of the total weight of the atmosphere is found up to a height of 5.5 km and 99% of it is found up to a height of 30 km.
  5. Due to the atmosphere, the meteor bodies coming from space towards the earth are destroyed before reaching the ground.
  6. The atmosphere also controls the surface temperature. Due to the atmosphere, the surface temperature does not become very high during the day and very low during the night.
  7. Earth's atmosphere itself is the originator of various types of weather events, such as: - formation of clouds, movement of wind, storm etc.

If there was no atmosphere, life would not have been visible on this planet like the Moon.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Geology and Formation of the Shiwalik Range: A Result of Tectonic Processes in the Himalayas.

By
The Shiwalik Range , also known as the Shivalik Hills or the Outer Himalayas , is a mountain range in northern India and southern Nepal. It is the southernmost and outermost range of the Himalayas. The formation of the Shiwalik Range is closely linked to the geological processes that shaped the Himalayan Mountain system. The Himalayas, including the Shiwalik Range, have been formed through the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates over millions of years. Around 50 million years ago, the Indian plate, which was originally located south of the equator, began moving northward towards the Eurasian plate. As the Indian plate approached the Eurasian plate, it started to subduct beneath it. Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate sinks beneath another due to the difference in density. The subduction of the Indian plate led to the upliftment of the overlying sedimentary and crustal rocks, creating the Himalayas. The Shiwalik Range specifically formed during the ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Geological and Natural Attractions

By
Geological and natural attractions are diverse and can be found in various regions around the world. Here are some examples of popular geological and natural attractions: 1. Grand Canyon , United States:  The Grand Canyon is a massive gorge carved by the Colorado River in Arizona. It is known for its breathtaking views, colorful rock formations, and geological history that spans millions of years. 2. Great Barrier Reef , Australia:  The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometers off the coast of Queensland. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and vibrant coral formations. 3. Mount Everest , Nepal and China:  Mount Everest, located in the Himalayas, is the highest peak on Earth. It attracts mountaineers from around the globe who strive to reach its summit, offering stunning views and challenging climbing opportunities. 4. Serengeti National Park , Tanzania:  The ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Why is Earth called a Dynamic Planet

By
Earth is often referred to as a "dynamic planet" because it is constantly undergoing various dynamic processes and changes. These processes occur on different spatial and temporal scales, and they shape the planet's surface, atmosphere, and even its interior. Here are some reasons why Earth is called a dynamic planet: 01. Plate Tectonics : Earth's lithosphere, the rigid outer layer composed of tectonic plates, is in constant motion. This movement, known as plate tectonics, leads to the creation of mountains, the opening and closing of ocean basins, and the formation of earthquakes and volcanoes. It is a dynamic process that continuously reshapes the Earth's surface. 02. Earthquakes and Volcanoes : Earth is seismically active, with earthquakes occurring regularly around the world. These seismic activities are a result of the movement and interaction of tectonic plates. Volcanoes are also a consequence of plate tectonics, where molten rock (magma) rises to the surf...
Post a Comment
Read more