Introduction
The region of air that envelops the earth is called atmosphere. It is capable of supporting life on earth and saves it from the ill effects of the ultraviolet rays from the sun. The air present in the atmosphere consists of a number of gases like N2, O2, CO2, inert gases etc.
The atmosphere extends up to a height of about 500 km from the earth’s surface. The weight of the atmosphere is approximately 5 ? IO15 metric tonnes, which is about one millionth of the total weight of the earth. The temperature, pressure and density vary considerably with altitude. The temperature of the atmosphere varies from about -100° to + 1200° C depending on the altitude. Various parameters of the atmosphere are given below in Table 3.1.Table 3.1 Various Parameters of the Atmosphere
| Parameter | Amount |
| Total mass | ~4-5xl015 metric tonnes |
| Temperature | -100o to 1200° C depending on the altitude |
| Atmospheric pressure | One atmosphere at sea level, 3xl O-7 atmosphere at an altitude of 100 km above sea level |
| Atmospheric density | ~0.0013 g∕m3 at the surface of earth. It decreases sharply with increasing altitude. |
3.2
More on the topic Introduction:
-
General ecology -
-
Conflictology -
Ecology -
Economy -
Finance -
History -
Law -
Medicine -
Philosophy -
Religious studies -