Geography

Functions of the Atmosphere

len Alfred Ajibola - Sat, 28th December, 2019 @ 07:19 AM

Topics in Geography

Environmental geography explained with its branches Igneous rock explained with its types and textures Characteristics of Igneous Rock What are Sedimentary Rocks? Formation and Types of Sedimentary Rock Characteristics of Sedimentary Rock Types and Characteristics of Metamorphic Rock Physical geography explained with its branches Geography Scheme of Work, SS1, First Term Geography Scheme of Work, SS1, Second Term Geography Scheme of Work, SS1, Third Term Classification and types of planets with their characteristics Planets of the solar system explained with their characteristics Functions of the Atmosphere Layers of the Atmosphere Solar System in Geography Composition of the Atmosphere Human geography explained with its branches What are metamorphic rocks? Formation of metamorphic rock?


Academic Questions in Geography

Please click here to see all Questions and Answers

Which of the following is not a branch of environmental geography?

  • A. Physical Geography

  • B. Hazards

  • C. Political Ecology

  • D. Environmental Perception

  • E. Landscape Studies

  • F. Energy and Resource Geography

Sandstone is an example of _____ ​​​​​​.

  • A. Sandy soil

  • B. Loamy soil

  • C. Clay soil

  • D. Igneous rock

  • E. Sedimentary rock 

  • F. Metamorphic rock

Which of the following isn't an example of metamorphic rock?

  • A. Schist

  • B. Quartzite

  • C. Gabbro

  • D. Marble

  • E. Slate

  • F. Serpentinite

Which of the following statements is false concerning metamorphic rock?

  • A. The are less dense than igneous and sedimentary rocks

  • B. They can be foliated or non foliated

  • C. They are crystalline in nature

  • D. They have a more coarse texture than their protolith

  • E. They may be formed from an older metamorphic rock

  • F. They are characterized with precious metals and stones

Earth's distance from the sun is approximately _____ million kilometers.

  • A. 147

  • B. 85

  • C. 40

  • D. 220

  • E. 309

  • F. 400

Which of the following is not a branch of physical geography?

  • A. Economic Geography

  • B. Religious Geography

  • C. Social Geography

  • D. Resource Geography

  • E. Settlement Geography

  • F. Industrial Geography

Water resource geography is a branch under physiography.

  • A. True

  • B. False

With regards to ozone, which of the following is incorrect?

  • A. Ozone is a triatomic molecule

  • B. Ozone layer aids in preventing excess ultraviolet radiation from reaching the earth

  • C. Ozone is a natural greenhouses gas

  • D. Ozone comprises of oxygen molecules only

  • E. Ozone layer brings about a global warming on earth

  • F. Ozone is present in the stratosphere



Functions of Atmosphere:

The atmosphere of the earth serves the following important functions:

1. Photosynthesis occurs from the presence of carbon(IV)oxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. Without carbon (IV)oxide, green plants will not be able to manufacture food.

Please read on photosynthesis and autotrophic nutrition here.


2. Life is present on earth due to the presence of oxygen (O2) in the atmosphere. Oxygen is an essential element in aerobic respiration. (Aerobic means presence of oxygen).

Please read on the basic characteristics of living organisms here.


3. The ozone layer of the atmosphere helps in trapping ultraviolet radiation thereby preventing it from reaching the earth. Understand that excess ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth can become harmful to humans, animals and other living organisms.

In space, an astronaut will burn his or her skin when exposed outside the spacesuit.

The part of the atmosphere containing ozone (O3) is referred to as the ozone layer.

Please read on the layers of the atmosphere here.


4. The atmosphere is an important reservoir of water, hence making it an important factor in water cycle. This makes the atmosphere a pathway for rainfall.

You can read on the biblical account of creation here.


5. The atmosphere of the earth acts as a 'cloak' that aid in keeping earth's temperature moderately warm through its natural greenhouse gases like water vapour and ozone.

The greenhouse gases (water vapour and ozone) act by trapping the sun's heat directed towards the surface of the earth. It also prevents the sun's heat from escaping back into space. This process keeps the surface of the earth at a moderately warm temperature which is crucial for life.

Please read on the composition of the atmosphere here.

Note: Some of the planets in the solar system are scorching hot while others are unpleasantly cold. This results from a lack of greenhouse gases in these planets.

Ironically, various activities of humans like combustion and burning are constantly adding more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere; and this generally has a negative effect on humans and animals alike.

Examples of greenhouse gases added by humans into the atmosphere include methane and carbon(IV)oxide.

The effect of excess greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will result in an increased temperature on the surface of the earth. The term global warming is associated with earth's temperature which is constantly on the rise.


6. The atmosphere has proven to be effective in the transmission of radio waves which is important in global communication.


7. The atmospheric pressure is vital for the boiling processes to occur. This implies that water boils as a result of the atmosphere.

Boiling is the defined as the process whereby the vapour pressure of a liquid equals the atmospheric pressure.

Please read on physical and chemical change here.


8. The atmosphere provides a source of livelihood for climatologists, meteorologist and commercial aircraft workers.

Please read on the introduction to geography here.


9. Weather and climate are present on earth as a result of its atmosphere.


Note: Earth's atmosphere is extremely important for the survival of all its inhabitants. As a student, it is important you comprehend how the above functions of the atmosphere support life. The explanations below give credence to this fact.

When one moves further away from earth, the atmosphere becomes thinner until it disappears into the outer space. There is no atmosphere in space. For this reason, astronauts will always wear a spacesuit while carrying along their oxygen gas masks and canisters when in space.

Please read more on the solar system here.


People living on very high altitudes will likely experience a reduced amount of oxygen in the atmosphere. Such people survive because their bodily organs become adapted to survive in such conditions.

On mountain everest for instance, mountain climbers will need to carry oxygen canisters because lesser amount of oxygen is present on this mountain.

You can read on the red blood cells and hemoglobin here.


Meanwhile, understand that the atmospheric composition of oxygen on the moon and other planets are quite different from that of the earth. Usually, they have lesser percentage of oxygen or even no oxygen in some cases, thus making life incompatible on them. Interestingly, some may not even have an atmosphere to begin with. This gives a reason why earth is clearly the only planet compartible with life.


The only process in nature that actively enriches our atmosphere with oxygen is photosynthesis. Every other process like respiration, burning and combustion takes away oxygen from it. In addition, they introduce carbon(IV)oxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.

Note: Photosynthesis is also the only process that takes away carbon(IV)oxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.

Photosynthesis is defined as a process by which green plants manufacture food by utilizing carbon(IV)oxide and water in the presence of sunlight.

Oxygen is given off as a by-product of photosynthesis. In regards to this, it is recommended that each person plants a tree.

You can read on interesting facts for students here.


Potentially dangerous ultraviolet radiation coming from the space is hindered by the atmosphere (through the ozone layer) from reaching the surface of the earth and that’s a good thing. This is because ultraviolet radiation is harmful to living organisms. On the other hand, the atmosphere allows the sun’s rays to reach the earth, while also preventing it from leaving the earth back into the outer space.

One fact concerning life is:

The sun is the ultimate source of energy.

Without the sun’s rays on earth, life will be non-existent.

The above fact is in support of the first law of thermodynamics with regards to food chain.

You can read on food chain here.

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Amazing facts in Geography

Lake Baikal - Len Academy

Lake Baikal is the deepest freshwater lake in the world. It is located in Siberia, and has a depth of 5,315 feet (1,620 meters)

River Nile is the world's longest river, reaching a length of 6,853km. It runs through the borders of 11 African countries. These are Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Eritrea

The deepest place on Earth is the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean. It has a dept of 11,034 meters (or 36,201 feet)

Japan has recorded the most earthquakes and is thereby considered as the world's most earthquake-prone country

The planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune have no solid surfaces, but are rather made up of gases. For this reason, humans can never stand on them

Burg Khalifa - Len Academy

Burg Khalifa is the tallest building in the world (as at 2023). It is situated in Dubai and stands at over 2,700 feet

Pepto Bismol-colored Lake Hillier is a pink colored lake present in Australia

Pepto Bismol-colored Lake Hillier - Len Academy

Mount Everest is the highest point on earth with a height of 8,849 meters (29,032 feet). It is located between Nepal and Tibet, an autonomous region of China.

Mountain Everest is a symbol of relationship between Nepal and Tibet, and was named in the nineteenth century after George Everest, a former Surveyor General of India

A day on planet venus is longer than a year. This is so because it takes venus 243 'earth days' to spin round its axis (rotation), but takes 225 'earth days' to go around the sun (revolution).

In geography, understand that a day is reached when the planet makes a full spin or rotation round it's axis. However, a year is reached when a planet revolves fully around the sun

The Four Corners is a location in the United States of Ameria where one can stand in four states simultaneously (at the same time). The states are: Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico.

On the Four Corners, a person stands on the southwestern corner of Colorado, southeastern corner of Utah, northeastern corner of Arizona, and northwestern corner of New Mexico at once.


Notable points in Geography

Planets can be categorized based on their composition. These include:

1. Terrestrial or Rocky Planets: They are mercury, venus, earth and mars. They are called terrestrial or rocky planets for the following reasons:

  • They have a rocky and compact surface.

  • They have no rings around them.

  • They have a few natural satellites.

  • They rotate slowly around their axis.

 

2. Gas or Jovian Planets: They include jupiter, saturn, uranus and neptune. They have the following features:

  • They are called jovian planets because they are bigger in size when compared to earth.

  • They are composed mainly of hydrogen and helium gas, hence the name 'gas planets' or 'gas giants'.

  • They rotate rapidly.

  • They have many satellites.

  • They have rings around them.

Please read more on the classification of planets here.

Planets of the Solar System - Len Academy

The following rules are required for a body to become classified (or regarded) as a planet:

  • It must orbit the sun.

  • It does not orbit another planet. This means that it must not be a satellite.

  • It must have sufficient mass which accounts for its self-gravity.

  • It must assume a nearly round shape.

Please read on the planets of the solar system here.

Earth's atmosphere is extremely important for the survival of all its inhabitants. As a student, it is important you comprehend how the above functions of the atmosphere support life. The explanations below give credence to this fact.

When one moves further away from earth, the atmosphere becomes thinner until it disappears into the outer space. There is no atmosphere in space. For this reason, astronauts will always wear a spacesuit while carrying along their oxygen gas masks and canisters when in space.

People living on very high altitudes will likely experience a reduced amount of oxygen in the atmosphere. Such people survive because their bodily organs become adapted to survive in such conditions.

On mountain everest for instance, mountain climbers will need to carry oxygen canisters because lesser amount of oxygen is present on this mountain.

Please read more on the functions of the atmosphere here

The interface forming the boundary between two atmospheric layers are always named with a 'pause' at its end; for instance;

  • Tropopause: This is the interface or boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere.

  • Stratopause: Interface between the stratosphere and mesosphere.

  • Mesopause: Interface between the mesosphere and ionosphere.

  • Ionopause: Interface between the ionosphere and thermosphere.

The atmosphere surrounding the earth is layered. Each layer has its own characteristics although the boundaries between them are not clearly defined.

The image below shows the different layers of the atmosphere:

Layers of the Atmosphere - Len Academy

Please read more on the layers of the atmosphere here.