Short and Long Questions: The Atmosphere | Footprints Class 7: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What are the two main gases found in the Earth's atmosphere?
Ans: The two main gases found in the Earth's atmosphere are nitrogen and oxygen.

Q2: Why is the atmosphere important for life on Earth?
Ans: The atmosphere is important for life on Earth because it provides oxygen to breathe, protects us from harmful radiation, regulates temperature, and supports the water cycle and plant growth.

Q3: Name the five layers of the atmosphere.
Ans: The five layers of the atmosphere are troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.

Q4: What is the difference between weather and climate?
Ans: Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific area, while climate represents long-term patterns of weather in a region.

Q5: How does altitude affect temperature?
Ans: As altitude increases, the temperature decreases because the air becomes thinner and cannot retain heat as well.

Q6: What are the three heat zones of the Earth?
Ans: The three heat zones of the Earth are the Torrid Zone, Temperate Zone, and Frigid Zone.

Q7: Define atmospheric pressure and how it varies with altitude.
Ans: Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air molecules in the atmosphere. It decreases with altitude because there are fewer air molecules above.

Q8: What are the different types of winds and how are they formed?
Ans: The different types of winds include planetary winds, periodic winds, and local winds. They are formed due to pressure differences caused by variations in temperature, humidity, and the rotation of the Earth.

Q9: What is humidity and how does it influence the water cycle?
Ans: Humidity refers to the moisture content in the air. It influences the water cycle by affecting evaporation and condensation processes, which are essential for cloud formation and precipitation.

Q10: Explain the process of precipitation and its various forms.
Ans: Precipitation is the process of water droplets in the atmosphere combining and falling to the Earth's surface. It can occur in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail, depending on the temperature conditions in the atmosphere.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Discuss the composition of the Earth's atmosphere and its significance for life.
Ans: The Earth's atmosphere is composed of nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and carbon dioxide. It is important for life as it provides oxygen for breathing, protects from radiation, regulates temperature, and supports the water cycle and plant growth.

Q2: Explain the structure of the atmosphere, detailing the characteristics of each layer.
Ans: The atmosphere is divided into five layers: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. Each layer has distinct characteristics and plays a role in temperature, weather, and protection from solar radiation.

Q3: How do temperature and pressure vary with altitude, and what factors influence these variations?
Ans: Temperature decreases with altitude due to the thinning of air and lower heat absorption. Pressure also decreases with altitude because there are fewer air molecules above. Factors like latitude, altitude, distance from the sea, prevailing winds, and ocean currents influence temperature variations.

Q4: Describe the different types of precipitation processes and the conditions under which they occur.
Ans: Relief precipitation occurs when moist air rises over mountains and cools, causing rain or snow. Convectional precipitation happens when hot air rises and cools, leading to thunderstorms. Cyclonic precipitation occurs in areas of low pressure, where warm and cold air masses meet, causing prolonged rain or snow.

Q5: Discuss the impact of winds on weather patterns and how they are classified.
Ans: Winds play a significant role in weather patterns by transporting heat and moisture, causing air masses to move and influencing cloud formation. They are classified into planetary winds, periodic winds, and local winds based on their origin and prevailing direction.

Q6: What role does humidity play in the atmosphere, and how does it contribute to the water cycle?
Ans: Humidity affects the atmosphere's moisture content and plays a crucial role in the water cycle. It influences evaporation, the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas, and condensation, where water vapor cools and forms clouds. Humidity determines the amount of moisture available for precipitation.

Q7: Explain the concept of heat zones on Earth and their significance in global climate patterns.
Ans: Heat zones divide the Earth into regions with different temperature characteristics. The Torrid Zone near the equator receives the most direct sunlight, resulting in hot temperatures. The Temperate Zones have moderate temperatures, and the Frigid Zones near the poles are the coldest. These zones influence global climate patterns and weather conditions.

Q8: Compare and contrast weather and climate, highlighting their key differences and similarities.
Ans: Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific area, while climate encompasses long-term patterns of weather in a region. Weather changes frequently and is influenced by factors like temperature, precipitation, and wind. Climate represents average weather conditions over a long period and is influenced by factors like latitude, altitude, and ocean currents.

Q9: Illustrate the relationship between ocean currents and temperature distribution on Earth's surface.
Ans: Ocean currents transport warm or cold water across the Earth's surface, affecting temperature distribution. Warm ocean currents bring warmer temperatures to coastal areas, while cold ocean currents result in cooler temperatures. These currents also influence weather patterns and precipitation.

Q10: Detail the factors that influence atmospheric pressure and how they contribute to weather phenomena.
Ans: Factors like temperature, moisture, and the rotation of the Earth influence atmospheric pressure. Warm air expands and rises, creating low-pressure areas, while cold air contracts and sinks, creating high-pressure areas. Pressure differences lead to the formation of winds, weather systems, and storms.