NCERT Book Class 9 Social Science (Understanding Society India and Beyond PART-I) Chapter 3 Atmosphere and Climate

Chapter 3

Atmosphere and
Climate
The Big Questions
1. What is the composition of the atmosphere?
2. How do the different layers of the atmosphere affect the planet Earth?
3. What is the mechanism of monsoon?
4. How can we reduce our carbon footprint?

What do you see when you look up in the sky? You might see the Gravity:
floating clouds, the sunshine, and feel a breeze as well. All of these Gravity is a
fundamental
are a result of a blanket of air surrounding the Earth, called the
physical force
atmosphere. It is pulled down around the Earth by gravity, and of attraction
is a mixture of gases in various proportions, vital for the survival between
of all living beings on the Earth. The atmosphere shields us from objects that
have mass or
the harmful radiation coming from the Sun, including ultraviolet
energy such as
radiation. It regulates the Earth’s temperature by trapping some of the Sun and the
the Sun’s energy and prevents it from escaping back into space. The Earth. The force
atmosphere is a key component of the Earth’s weather and climate of attraction
that the Earth’s
systems, influencing factors such as temperature, humidity, and
mass exerts on
air pressure. the objects that
are on or close
THINK ABOUT IT to its surface is
referred to as
Earth’s gravity.

Fig. 3.1

Can you imagine what would happen if there were no atmosphere?
Discuss your thoughts with your friends and teachers.