The atmosphere is primarily composed of gases, water vapour, and ___ particles.

Dust

True or False: The volume of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has been decreasing over the past few decades.

False. The volume of carbon dioxide has been rising mainly due to the burning of fossil fuels.

Ozone acts as a filter by absorbing ___ rays radiating from the sun.

Ultraviolet

Water vapour can account for up to ___ percent of the air by volume in warm and wet tropical regions.

Four

True or False: Water vapour increases from the equator towards the poles.

False. Water vapour decreases from the equator towards the poles.

What is the role of water vapour in the atmosphere?

Water vapour absorbs parts of insolation from the sun and helps preserve the earth's radiated heat, acting like a blanket.

Fill in the blank: Carbon dioxide is largely responsible for the ___ effect.

Greenhouse

Dust particles are generally concentrated in the lower layers of the atmosphere; however, convectional air currents may transport them to ___ altitudes.

Great heights

The layer of the atmosphere where all changes in climate and weather occur is called the ___.

Troposphere

Fill in the blank: The tropopause separates the troposphere from the ___.

Stratosphere

What is the primary function of the ozone layer found in the stratosphere?

To absorb ultraviolet radiation and protect life on Earth from harmful solar energy.

True or False: The temperature in the troposphere decreases at a rate of 1°C for every 100 meters of height.

False. The temperature in the troposphere decreases at a rate of 1°C for every 165 meters of height.

At what temperature does the tropopause exist over the equator?

About minus 80°C.

The layer of the atmosphere that contains electrically charged particles and reflects radio waves is known as the ___.

Ionosphere

Fill in the blank: The mesosphere extends up to a height of ___ kilometers.

80

Explain the significance of the mesopause in the structure of the atmosphere.

The mesopause is the upper limit of the mesosphere where temperatures begin to increase with height, marking a transition to the thermosphere.