Category: 01. Atmosphere
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Ozone Layer
The ozone layer, located in the stratosphere, is vital for protecting life on Earth. It absorbs the majority of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues. The ozone molecules form a protective shield, preventing excessive UV exposure. However, human-made chemicals, particularly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), have damaged this…
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Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface. It occurs when the sun’s energy reaches the Earth and is absorbed, then re-radiated as infrared energy. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide trap some of this infrared radiation, preventing it from escaping into space. This process keeps the Earth’s…
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Weather Formation
Weather occurs in the troposphere, where various atmospheric processes interact to create diverse conditions. Factors like temperature, pressure, and humidity are key players. For instance, warm air rises, causing lower pressure and allowing moisture to condense into clouds. When these clouds gather enough moisture, they release it as precipitation, resulting in rain or snow. Winds,…
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Layers
The atmosphere is divided into five distinct layers, each characterized by changes in temperature and composition. The troposphere is the lowest layer, extending from the Earth’s surface up to about 8-15 kilometers, where weather phenomena occur. Above it lies the stratosphere, which contains the ozone layer that shields Earth from UV radiation. This layer is…
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Composition
The Earth’s atmosphere is a complex mixture of gases that are essential for life. The primary components are nitrogen (approximately 78%) and oxygen (about 21%). Other gases, such as argon (0.93%) and carbon dioxide (0.04%), exist in trace amounts. This balance is crucial; oxygen supports respiration in living organisms, while nitrogen is relatively inert, providing…