General Studies 1

Atmospheric Pressure The weight of the column of air at a given place and time is called air pressure or atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure is measured by an instrument called a barometer. Do You Know? Pressure Gradient – The rate … Continue reading →

Definition and Condition Definition: A temperature inversion is a layer in the atmosphere in which air temperature increases with height. Ideal Condition Long nights, so that the outgoing radiation is greater than the incoming radiation. Clear skies, which allow unobstructed escape … Continue reading →

Tropical Zone The region lies from the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N), across Equator (0°) to the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S). The Sun’s rays fall directly at least once a year and it is the hottest zone of the Earth. Temperate … Continue reading →

Latitude of the Place The temperature of a place depends upon the solar radiation received.  The insolation varies according to the latitude, so the temperature also varies accordingly.  The solar radiations pass vertically along the equator.  The angle of incidence … Continue reading →

The amount of insolation received varies from latitude to latitude. Regions within the equator and 40° N and S latitudes receive abundant sunlight and hence more heat will be gained than lost. Hence they are energy surplus regions. Regions beyond … Continue reading →

Insolation The amount of solar energy that the planet receives or absorbs is known as insolation. Factors Affecting Insolation – Solar constant, the angle of incidence, the duration of the day, distance from the Sun, and transparency of the atmosphere. … Continue reading →

Layers of Atmosphere Based on Temperature and Density Troposphere The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere. Altitude is 18km at the equator and 8km at the poles. Temperature and water vapour content in the troposphere decrease rapidly with … Continue reading →

Composition of the Atmosphere The atmosphere is a mixture of many gases. In addition, it contains huge numbers of solid and liquid particles, collectively called ‘aerosols’. Some of the gases may be regarded as permanent atmospheric components which remain in … Continue reading →

Definition The envelope of gases surrounding the earth is called the atmosphere. It forms a protective boundary between outer space and the biosphere and stops UV rays of the sun from reaching the earth. It acts as a greenhouse by … Continue reading →

Ripples Low-speed winds deposit the particles in the shape of waves, which are known as sand ripples. Sand Dunes Velocity of wind carrying sand decreases when it faces some obstacle and therefore wind starts depositing the sand particles on the … Continue reading →