• General Knowledge Tutorial

General Knowledge - Atmosphere



  • The composition of the Earth’s atmosphere changes with the altitude.

  • The major constituents of the Earth’s atmosphere are −

    • Nitrogen – 78.09%

    • Oxygen – 20.95%

    • Argon – 0.93%

    • Carbon Dioxide – 0.039% (remaining other gasses)

  • The pressure exerted by the weight of air at a given point is known as “Atmospheric Pressure” or “Barometric Pressure.”

  • With increasing altitude, the atmospheric pressure decreases.

  • On an average, a column of air (which is normally one square centimeter in cross-section), measured at the sea level, has the weight of about 1.03 kg (about 10.1 N).

  • The Average Air Pressure is about 14.70 pounds per square inch, (equivalent to 1,013.25 × 103 dynes per square centimeter or 1,013.25 millibars) at the sea level.

  • A visible mass of condensed vapor floating above the general level of the ground is known as Cloud.

  • Based on the altitude, cloud is classified as −

    • High Altitude Cloud: For example, Cirrus, Cirrocumulus, & Cirrostratus.

    • Middle Altitude Cloud: For example, Altostratus and Altocumulus.

    • Low Altitude Cloud: Stratus, Stratocumulus, Cumulus, and Nimbostratus (it can be also seen in the middle altitude).

    • Vertical: Cumulonimbus

Atmosphere
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