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Part-1
Milky Way Galaxy and Earth Solar System Our Sun (a star) and all the planets around it are part of a galaxy known as the Milky Way Galaxy. A galaxy is a large group of stars, gas, and dust bound together by gravity. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The Milky Way is a large barred spiral galaxy. The Milky Way is the galaxy that contains our Solar System. Earth solar system consists of: • The Sun • The Planets (8 Planets) • Dwarf Planets such as Pluto, Ceres, Eris etc. & countless fragments of left – overs called asteroids, meteors, comets & satellites of the planets (called small solar system Bodies).
1. What is the Milky Way Galaxy?
• A) A group of planets
• B) A large barred spiral galaxy
• C) A cluster of asteroids
• D) A collection of comets
Answer: B) A large barred spiral galaxy
2. How many planets are there in our Solar System?
• A) 6
• B) 7
• C) 8
• D) 9
Answer: C) 8
3. Which of the following is considered a dwarf planet in our Solar System?
• A) Mars
• B) Jupiter
• C) Pluto
• D) Venus
Answer: C) Pluto
4. What are asteroids, meteors, and comets collectively referred to in the Solar System?
• A) Celestial bodies
• B) Space debris
• C) Small solar system bodies
• D) Galactic remnants
Answer: C) Small solar system bodies
5. What is the shape of the Milky Way Galaxy?
• A) Elliptical
• B) Spiral
• C) Irregular
• D) Circular
Answer: B) Spiral
6. What is the primary force that binds stars, gas, and dust in a galaxy together?
• A) Magnetism
• B) Centrifugal force
• C) Gravity
• D) Electromagnetic force
Answer: C) Gravity
7. Which planet is commonly known as a “dwarf planet” among the eight major planets?
• A) Neptune
• B) Pluto
• C) Saturn
• D) Earth
Answer: B) Pluto
8. What is the largest celestial body in our Solar System?
• A) Earth
• B) The Sun
• C) Jupiter
• D) Saturn
Answer: B) The Sun
9. Besides planets, what are the other components of Earth’s solar system mentioned in the passage?
• A) Galaxies
• B) Black holes
• C) Small solar system bodies
• D) Dark matter
Answer: C) Small solar system bodies
10. In the context of our Solar System, what are the fragments left over called?
• A) Cosmic debris
• B) Solar remnants
• C) Space remnants
• D) Small solar system bodies
Answer: D) Small solar system bodies
Part-2
Some Facts about Solar System • Biggest Planet : Jupiter • Smallest Planet : Mercury • Nearest Planet to Sun : Mercury • Farthest Planet from Sun : Neptune • Nearest Planet to Earth : Venus • Brightest Planet : Venus • Brightest star after Sun : Sirius • Planet with maximum satellites : Saturn • Coldest Planet : Neptune • Hottest Planet : Venus • Heaviest Planet : Jupiter • Red Planet : Mars • Biggest Satellite : Ganymede • Smallest Satellite : Deimos • Blue Planet : Earth • Morning/Evening Star : Venus • Earth’s Twin : Venus • Green Planet : Neptune • Planet with a big red spot : Jupiter • Greatest Diurnal Temperature : Mercury
1. Which planet is known as the “Red Planet”?
• A) Mars
• B) Jupiter
• C) Venus
• D) Saturn
Answer: A) Mars
2. What is the biggest planet in our Solar System?
• A) Saturn
• B) Jupiter
• C) Neptune
• D) Mars
Answer: B) Jupiter
3. Which planet is considered the smallest in our Solar System?
• A) Earth
• B) Mars
• C) Mercury
• D) Venus
Answer: C) Mercury
4. What is the nearest planet to the Sun?
• A) Venus
• B) Earth
• C) Mercury
• D) Mars
Answer: C) Mercury
5. Among the planets, which one is the farthest from the Sun?
• A) Uranus
• B) Neptune
• C) Saturn
• D) Mars
Answer: B) Neptune
6. Which planet has the maximum number of satellites?
• A) Jupiter
• B) Saturn
• C) Uranus
• D) Mars
Answer: A) Jupiter
7. Which planet is known as Earth’s Twin?
• A) Mars
• B) Venus
• C) Mercury
• D) Saturn
Answer: B) Venus
8. What is the hottest planet in our Solar System?
• A) Mars
• B) Earth
• C) Venus
• D) Jupiter
Answer: C) Venus
9. Which planet is recognized as the coldest in our Solar System?
• A) Mars
• B) Neptune
• C) Uranus
• D) Mercury
Answer: B) Neptune
10. What is the brightest star in the night sky after the Sun?
• A) Betelgeuse
• B) Rigel
• C) Sirius
• D) Proxima Centauri
Answer: C) Sirius
Part-3
Earth Latitude & Longitude Earth Latitude • Imaginary lines drawn parallel to the equator. Measured as an angle whose apex is at the centre of the Earth. • The equator represents 0° latitude, while the North Pole is 90° N & the South Pole 90° S.Equator is the ‘Greatest Circle’ that can be drawn on the earth’s surface.23½° N represents Tropic of Cancer while 23½° S represents Tropic of Capricorn. • 66½° N represents Arctic Circle while 66½° S represents Antarctic Circle. • The distance between any two parallels of latitude is always equal. • 1 degree latitude = 111 km (approx.).
1. What are the imaginary lines drawn parallel to the equator called?
• A) Longitude lines
• B) Tropic lines
• C) Latitude lines
• D) Meridian lines
Answer: C) Latitude lines
2. How is latitude measured?
• A) In kilometers
• B) In miles
• C) As an angle with the apex at the center of the Earth
• D) In degrees from the Tropic of Cancer
Answer: C) As an angle with the apex at the center of the Earth
3. At what degree does the equator represent latitude?
• A) 45°
• B) 60°
• C) 0°
• D) 90°
Answer: C) 0°
4. What does 23½° N represent on Earth?
• A) Tropic of Capricorn
• B) Antarctic Circle
• C) Tropic of Cancer
• D) Arctic Circle
Answer: C) Tropic of Cancer
5. What is the significance of 66½° N on Earth?
• A) Tropic of Cancer
• B) Arctic Circle
• C) Tropic of Capricorn
• D) Antarctic Circle
Answer: B) Arctic Circle
6. According to the information provided, what is the latitude of the South Pole?
• A) 23½° S
• B) 66½° N
• C) 90° S
• D) 0°
Answer: C) 90° S
7. What is the term used for the equator in terms of its geometric shape on Earth’s surface?
• A) Parabola
• B) Hyperbola
• C) Ellipse
• D) Greatest Circle
Answer: D) Greatest Circle
8. According to the information provided, what is the distance between any two parallels of latitude?
• A) Always decreasing
• B) Always increasing
• C) Always equal
• D) Varies randomly
Answer: C) Always equal
9. How much distance (approximately) does 1 degree of latitude represent?
• A) 111 km
• B) 100 km
• C) 50 km
• D) 75 km
Answer: A) 111 km (approx.)
10. What is the latitude of a location situated halfway between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator?
• A) 23½° N
• B) 45° N
• C) 0°
• D) 66½° N
Answer: B) 45° N
Part-4
Earth Longitude • The lines of longitude are drawn as a series of semicircles that extend from the North Pole to the South Pole through the equator. They are also called meridians. • The distance between any two meridians is not equal. • At the equator, 1 degree = 111 km. At 30°N or S, it is 96.5 km. It goes on decreasing this way until it is zero at the poles. • There are 360 meridians of longitude. The prime meridian is a longitude of 0°, passing through the Royal Observatory at Greenwich near London. • This meridian is taken by geographers to divide the earth into the eastern & the western hemispheres. • Each meridian of longitude is a semi-circle. 180° meridian (International Date Lin(e) lies exactly opposite to 0° meridian. Such points are called Antipodal Points. • The earth is divided into 24 longitudinal zones, each being 15° or 1 hour apart in time (4 minutes / degre(e). Longitude & Time • Places that are on the same meridian have the same local (sun) time. Since the earth makes one complete revolution of 360° in 24 hours, it passes through 15° in one hour or 1° in 4 minutes. • The earth rotates from West to East, hence places east of Greenwich see the sun earlier & gain time whereas places west of Greenwich see the sun later & lose time. India, whose longitudinal extent is approx. 30°, has adopted only one time zone, selecting the 82.5°E for the standard time which is 5 hours & 30 minutes ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Tim(e).
1. What are the lines of longitude also known as?
• A) Equator lines
• B) Tropic lines
• C) Latitude lines
• D) Meridians
Answer: D) Meridians
2. How is the distance between any two meridians described?
• A) Always equal
• B) Constant at 111 km
• C) Not equal
• D) Increasing towards the poles
Answer: C) Not equal
3. At the equator, how much distance does 1 degree of longitude represent?
• A) 111 km
• B) 96.5 km
• C) 30 km
• D) 0 km
Answer: A) 111 km
4. What does the 180° meridian represent on Earth?
• A) Prime meridian
• B) Tropic of Cancer
• C) Equator
• D) International Date Line
Answer: D) International Date Line
5. What is the prime meridian’s role in geographical division?
• A) Divides the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres
• B) Divides the Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres
• C) Marks the equator
• D) Represents the Tropic of Cancer
Answer: B) Divides the Earth into Eastern and Western Hemispheres
6. What is the significance of Antipodal Points on Earth?
• A) Points with the same longitude
• B) Points on the equator
• C) Points with opposite longitudes
• D) Points at the poles
Answer: C) Points with opposite longitudes
7. How many longitudinal zones is the Earth divided into?
• A) 12
• B) 24
• C) 36
• D) 48
Answer: B) 24
8. How much time does it take for the Earth to rotate through 15° of longitude?
• A) 1 hour
• B) 2 hours
• C) 4 hours
• D) 24 hours
Answer: A) 1 hour
9. Why do places east of Greenwich gain time, while places west lose time?
• A) Geographical anomaly
• B) Atmospheric interference
• C) Earth’s rotation from West to East
• D) Solar flares
Answer: C) Earth’s rotation from West to East
10. Why has India adopted only one time zone despite its longitudinal extent?
• A) Historical tradition
• B) Geographical location
• C) Administrative convenience
• D) International agreement
Answer: C) Administrative convenience
Part-5
International Date Line • It is the 180° meridian running over the Pacific Ocean, deviating at Aleutian Islands, Fiji, Samoa & Gilbert Islands. It is a zig-zag line. • Travelers crossing the Date Line from west to east (i.e., from Japan to US(A) repeat a day & travelers crossing it from east to west (i.e., from USA to Japan) lose a day. Important Parallels of Latitude 1. The Tropic of Cancer: It is in the northern hemisphere at an angular distance of 23 1/2° (23°30’N) from the equator. 2. The Tropic of Capricorn: It is in the southern hemisphere at an angular distance of 23 1/2° (23°30’S) from the equator. 3. The Arctic Circle: It lies at a distance of 66 1/2° (66°30’N) north of the equator. 4. The Antarctic Circle: It lies at a distance of 66 1/2° (66°30’S) south of the equator. There are two solstices each year, called the Summer Solstice & the Winter Solstice.
1. What is the International Date Line’s angular location?
• A) 90°
• B) 180°
• C) 45°
• D) 360°
Answer: B) 180°
2. In which ocean does the International Date Line primarily run?
• A) Atlantic Ocean
• B) Indian Ocean
• C) Pacific Ocean
• D) Arctic Ocean
Answer: C) Pacific Ocean
3. How does the International Date Line deviate in its path?
• A) It forms a circle
• B) It is a straight line
• C) It zig-zags
• D) It follows the equator
Answer: C) It zig-zags
4. What happens to travelers crossing the Date Line from west to east?
• A) They gain a day
• B) They lose a day
• C) No change in days
• D) They gain a night
Answer: A) They gain a day
5. What is the effect on travelers crossing the Date Line from east to west?
• A) They gain a day
• B) They lose a day
• C) No change in days
• D) They gain a night
Answer: B) They lose a day
6. What is the angular distance of the Tropic of Cancer from the equator?
• A) 66 1/2°
• B) 45°
• C) 23 1/2°
• D) 90°
Answer: C) 23 1/2°
7. Where is the Tropic of Capricorn located?
• A) Northern Hemisphere
• B) Southern Hemisphere
• C) Equator
• D) Arctic Circle
Answer: B) Southern Hemisphere
8. What is the distance of the Arctic Circle from the equator?
• A) 66 1/2°
• B) 45°
• C) 23 1/2°
• D) 90°
Answer: A) 66 1/2°
9. What is the significance of the Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice?
• A) Equinoxes
• B) Changing of seasons
• C) Crossing of the International Date Line
• D) Midnight Sun phenomena
Answer: B) Changing of seasons
10. In which direction does the International Date Line primarily run over the Pacific Ocean?
• A) North to South
• B) East to West
• C) South to North
• D) West to East
Answer: D) West to East
Part-6
Summer Solstice: The day of 21st June when the sun is vertically overhead at the Tropic of Cancer (23°30’N). It is longest day in Northern Hemisphere. Winter Solstice: The day of 22nd December when the sun is vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn (23°30’S). It is Shortest Day in Northern Hemisphere. Meridians of Longitude The semi-circles running from pole to pole or from north to south are known as meridians of longitude & distance between them are measured in degrees of longitude. Greenwich Meridian or Prime Meridian with a value of 0° longitude serves as a common base for numbering meridians of longitude lying on either side of it — east as well as west. There are 360 meridians including Prime Meridian. Each degree of a longitude is divided into sixty equal parts, each part is called a minute. Each minute is again divided into sixty equal parts, each part being called a second
1. When does the Summer Solstice occur?
• A) 21st December
• B) 21st June
• C) 22nd June
• D) 22nd December
Answer: B) 21st June
2. On the Summer Solstice, where is the sun vertically overhead?
• A) Tropic of Capricorn
• B) Equator
• C) Arctic Circle
• D) Tropic of Cancer
Answer: D) Tropic of Cancer (23°30’N)
3. Which hemisphere experiences the longest day during the Summer Solstice?
• A) Northern Hemisphere
• B) Southern Hemisphere
• C) Equator
• D) Both Hemispheres equally
Answer: A) Northern Hemisphere
4. When does the Winter Solstice occur?
• A) 21st December
• B) 21st June
• C) 22nd June
• D) 22nd December
Answer: A) 22nd December
5. On the Winter Solstice, where is the sun vertically overhead?
• A) Tropic of Cancer
• B) Equator
• C) Arctic Circle
• D) Tropic of Capricorn
Answer: D) Tropic of Capricorn (23°30’S)
6. Which hemisphere experiences the shortest day during the Winter Solstice?
• A) Northern Hemisphere
• B) Southern Hemisphere
• C) Equator
• D) Both Hemispheres equally
Answer: A) Northern Hemisphere
7. What is the Greenwich Meridian also known as?
• A) Tropic of Cancer
• B) Prime Meridian
• C) Equator
• D) International Date Line
Answer: B) Prime Meridian
8. How many meridians, including the Prime Meridian, are there on Earth?
• A) 180
• B) 360
• C) 90
• D) 45
Answer: B) 360
9. What is each degree of longitude divided into?
• A) Seconds
• B) Minutes
• C) Hours
• D) Days
Answer: B) Minutes
10. How many seconds are there in each minute of longitude?
• A) 60
• B) 30
• C) 45
• D) 100
Answer: A) 60
Part-7
Local Time: Local time of any place is 12 noon when the sun is exactly overhead. It will vary from the Greenwich time at the rate of four minutes for each degree of longitude. Greenwich Mean Time: The time at 0° longitude is called Greenwich Mean Time. It is based on local time of the meridian passing through Greenwich near London. Indian Standard Time: It is fixed on the mean of 82 1/2°E Meridian, a place near Allahabad. It is 5 1/2hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
1. When is the local time of any place considered to be 12 noon?
• A) When the sun is setting
• B) When the sun is rising
• C) When the sun is exactly overhead
• D) When the sun is at its lowest point in the sky
Answer: C) When the sun is exactly overhead
2. How does local time vary from Greenwich time with respect to longitude?
• A) One minute for each degree of longitude
• B) Two minutes for each degree of longitude
• C) Four minutes for each degree of longitude
• D) Six minutes for each degree of longitude
Answer: C) Four minutes for each degree of longitude
3. What is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) based on?
• A) Local time of the equator
• B) Local time of the North Pole
• C) Local time of the meridian passing through Greenwich
• D) Local time of the Tropic of Cancer
Answer: C) Local time of the meridian passing through Greenwich
4. Where is the Indian Standard Time (IST) fixed?
• A) 0° longitude
• B) 90°E Meridian
• C) 82 1/2°E Meridian
• D) 180° longitude
Answer: C) 82 1/2°E Meridian
5. How many hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time is Indian Standard Time?
• A) 2 hours
• B) 3 hours
• C) 4 hours
• D) 5 1/2 hours
Answer: D) 5 1/2 hours
6. What is the reference point for Greenwich Mean Time?
• A) Tropic of Cancer
• B) Prime Meridian
• C) International Date Line
• D) Arctic Circle
Answer: B) Prime Meridian
7. How much does local time vary for each degree of longitude?
• A) 2 minutes
• B) 4 minutes
• C) 6 minutes
• D) 8 minutes
Answer: B) 4 minutes
8. What is the basis for fixing Indian Standard Time near Allahabad?
• A) Magnetic north
• B) Tropic of Cancer
• C) 0° longitude
• D) 82 1/2°E Meridian
Answer: D) 82 1/2°E Meridian
9. When is the local time of any place considered to be midnight?
• A) When the sun is exactly overhead
• B) When the sun is setting
• C) When the sun is rising
• D) When the sun is at its highest point in the sky
Answer: A) When the sun is exactly overhead
10. How does Indian Standard Time compare to Greenwich Mean Time?
• A) It is behind GMT
• B) It is ahead of GMT
• C) It is the same as GMT
• D) It varies throughout the year
Answer: B) It is ahead of GMT
Part-8
Facts about earth • The Earth is also called Blue Planet. It is the densest of all planets. • Earth Circumference: 40,232 Kilometers. • Earth Area: 510 million square Kilometers • Average distance from sun: 149 million Kilometers. • Earth Perihelion: Nearest position of earth to sun. The earth reaches its perihelion on January 3 every year at a distance of about 147 million-Kilometers. • Aphelion: Farthest position of earth from sun. The earth reaches its aphelion on July 4, when the earth is at a distance of 152 million Kilometers. • The shape of the earth is oblate spheroid or oblate ellipsoid (i.e. almost spherical, flattened a little at the poles with a slight bulge at the centr(e).
1. What is another name for Earth due to its predominantly blue appearance?
• A) Green Planet
• B) Red Planet
• C) Blue Planet
• D) Yellow Planet
Answer: C) Blue Planet
2. What is the Earth’s circumference?
• A) 30,000 Kilometers
• B) 40,232 Kilometers
• C) 50,000 Kilometers
• D) 60,000 Kilometers
Answer: B) 40,232 Kilometers
3. What is the total area of the Earth’s surface?
• A) 410 million square Kilometers
• B) 510 million square Kilometers
• C) 610 million square Kilometers
• D) 710 million square Kilometers
Answer: B) 510 million square Kilometers
4. What is the average distance from the Earth to the Sun?
• A) 100 million Kilometers
• B) 149 million Kilometers
• C) 200 million Kilometers
• D) 250 million Kilometers
Answer: B) 149 million Kilometers
5. When does Earth reach its perihelion, the nearest position to the Sun?
• A) April 15
• B) June 21
• C) January 3
• D) September 23
Answer: C) January 3
6. What is aphelion in relation to Earth’s position to the Sun?
• A) Nearest position
• B) Farthest position
• C) Equatorial position
• D) Polar position
Answer: B) Farthest position
7. When does Earth reach its aphelion, the farthest position from the Sun?
• A) January 3
• B) July 4
• C) March 21
• D) October 31
Answer: B) July 4
8. What is the shape of the Earth?
• A) Perfect sphere
• B) Cube
• C) Oblate spheroid or oblate ellipsoid
• D) Cone
Answer: C) Oblate spheroid or oblate ellipsoid
9. In the shape of the Earth, where is there a slight bulge?
• A) Equator
• B) Tropic of Cancer
• C) Tropic of Capricorn
• D) Poles
Answer: A) Equator
10. Which characteristic makes Earth the densest of all planets?
• A) Large size
• B) Heavy atmosphere
• C) Solid core
• D) Variety of climates
Answer: C) Solid core
Part-9
Types of Earth Movements: 1. Rotation or daily movement. 2. Revolution or annual movement. Earth Rotation • Earth spins on its imaginary axis from west to east in 23 hrs, 56 min & 40.91 sec. • Rotational velocity at equator is 1667 Km/hr & it decreases towards the poles, where it is zero. Earth’s rotation results in i. Causation of days & nights; ii. A difference of one hour between two meridians which are 15° apart; iii. Change in the direction of wind & ocean currents; Rise & fall of tides everyday. iv. The longest day in North Hemisphere is June 21, while shortest day is on 22 Dec (vice-versa in Southern Hemispher(e). Days & nights are almost equal at the equator.
1. Which Earth movement is responsible for causing days and nights?
• A) Revolution
• B) Axial Tilt
• C) Rotation
• D) Orbital Motion
Answer: C) Rotation
2. What is the duration of one complete rotation of Earth on its axis?
• A) 24 hours
• B) 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 40.91 seconds
• C) 12 hours
• D) 365 days
Answer: B) 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 40.91 seconds
3. In which direction does Earth rotate on its axis?
• A) East to West
• B) West to East
• C) North to South
• D) South to North
Answer: B) West to East
4. What is the rotational velocity of Earth at the equator?
• A) 1000 Km/hr
• B) 1500 Km/hr
• C) 1667 Km/hr
• D) 2000 Km/hr
Answer: C) 1667 Km/hr
5. How does Earth’s rotational velocity change from the equator towards the poles?
• A) It increases
• B) It remains constant
• C) It decreases
• D) It fluctuates randomly
Answer: C) It decreases towards the poles, where it is zero
6. What is the primary result of Earth’s rotation?
• A) Change in seasons
• B) Change in atmospheric pressure
• C) Causation of days and nights
• D) Change in ocean salinity
Answer: C) Causation of days and nights
7. How much time difference exists between two meridians that are 15° apart?
• A) 30 minutes
• B) 45 minutes
• C) 1 hour
• D) 2 hours
Answer: C) 1 hour
8. What effect does Earth’s rotation have on the direction of wind and ocean currents?
• A) No effect
• B) Reverses their direction
• C) Causes random patterns
• D) Changes their direction
Answer: D) Changes their direction
9. When is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere?
• A) June 21
• B) December 22
• C) March 21
• D) September 23
Answer: A) June 21
10. What is the significance of days and nights at the equator?
• A) Days are longer, nights are shorter
• B) Days are shorter, nights are longer
• C) Days and nights are almost equal
• D) There are no days and nights at the equator
Answer: C) Days and nights are almost equal
Par-10
Earth Revolution • It is earth’s motion in elliptical orbit around the sun. Earth’s average orbital velocity is 29.79 Km/sec. • Takes 365 days, 5 hrs, 48 min & 45.51 sec. It results in one extra day every fourth year. Revolution of the earth results in i. Change of seasons ii. Variation in the lengths of days & nights at different times of the year iii. Shifting of wind belts iv. Determination of latitudes.
1. What is Earth’s motion in an elliptical orbit around the sun called?
• A) Rotation
• B) Axial Tilt
• C) Revolution
• D) Orbital Motion
Answer: C) Revolution
2. What is Earth’s average orbital velocity during its revolution around the sun?
• A) 20.79 Km/sec
• B) 25.79 Km/sec
• C) 29.79 Km/sec
• D) 35.79 Km/sec
Answer: C) 29.79 Km/sec
3. How long does it take for Earth to complete one revolution around the sun?
• A) 365 days
• B) 365 days, 5 hrs, 48 min & 45.51 sec
• C) 366 days
• D) 364 days
Answer: B) 365 days, 5 hrs, 48 min & 45.51 sec
4. What is the consequence of Earth’s revolution that results in one extra day every fourth year?
• A) Change in seasons
• B) Variation in day lengths
• C) Leap year
• D) Equinox
Answer: C) Leap year
5. What phenomenon is a direct result of Earth’s revolution?
• A) Change of seasons
• B) Change in atmospheric pressure
• C) Axial tilt
• D) Rotation
Answer: A) Change of seasons
6. What does Earth’s revolution cause in terms of the lengths of days and nights throughout the year?
• A) Constant day and night lengths
• B) Gradual increase in day lengths
• C) Variation in day and night lengths
• D) Shortening of day lengths
Answer: C) Variation in the lengths of days & nights at different times of the year
7. How does the revolution of Earth impact the shifting of wind belts?
• A) No impact
• B) Reverses wind direction
• C) Causes random wind patterns
• D) Leads to shifting of wind belts
Answer: D) Shifting of wind belts
8. What is the result of Earth’s revolution in terms of the determination of latitudes?
• A) No impact on latitudes
• B) Changes the latitudinal boundaries
• C) Causes latitudinal expansion
• D) Determines the latitudes
Answer: D) Determination of latitudes
9. What is the primary cause of the change in seasons on Earth?
• A) Axial tilt
• B) Orbital motion
• C) Rotation
• D) Earth’s magnetic field
Answer: A) Axial tilt
10. How often does Earth experience a leap year due to its revolution around the sun?
• A) Every 3 years
• B) Every 4 years
• C) Every 5 years
• D) Every 2 years
Answer: B) Every 4 years
Part-11
Earth Eclipses Lunar Eclipse • When earth comes between sun & moon. • Occurs only on a full moon day. However, it does not occur on every full moon day because the moon is so small & the plane of its orbit is tilted about 5° with respect to the plane of the earth’s orbit. It is for this reason that eclipses do not occur every month. • This light is red because the atmosphere scatters the other colors present in sunlight in greater amounts than it does red. Solar Eclipse A solar eclipse is a type of eclipse that occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun & Earth, & the Moon fully or partially blocks the Sun. This can happen only at new moon.
1. When does a Lunar Eclipse occur?
• A) New moon day
• B) First quarter moon
• C) Full moon day
• D) Last quarter moon
Answer: C) Full moon day
2. Why does a Lunar Eclipse not occur on every full moon day?
• A) The moon is too far from Earth
• B) The moon is too small
• C) The plane of the moon’s orbit is tilted
• D) The moon is too bright
Answer: C) The plane of the moon’s orbit is tilted about 5° with respect to the plane of the earth’s orbit.
3. What is the primary reason for the red color of the moon during a Lunar Eclipse?
• A) Reflection from Earth’s surface
• B) The moon’s natural color
• C) Scattering of sunlight in the Earth’s atmosphere
• D) Presence of minerals on the moon’s surface
Answer: C) Scattering of sunlight in the Earth’s atmosphere
4. When does a Solar Eclipse occur?
• A) Full moon day
• B) New moon day
• C) First quarter moon
• D) Last quarter moon
Answer: B) New moon day
5. What happens during a Solar Eclipse?
• A) The Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon
• B) The Moon comes between the Sun and Earth
• C) The Sun comes between the Earth and the Moon
• D) The Earth, Moon, and Sun align in a straight line
Answer: B) The Moon comes between the Sun and Earth
6. Why does a Solar Eclipse happen only at new moon?
• A) The moon is too far from Earth
• B) The moon is too small
• C) The plane of the moon’s orbit is tilted
• D) The moon is closest to Earth
Answer: C) This can happen only at new moon.
7. What is the common alignment during a Solar Eclipse?
• A) Sun, Moon, and Mars
• B) Sun, Earth, and Moon
• C) Sun, Venus, and Mercury
• D) Sun, Jupiter, and Saturn
Answer: B) Sun, Earth, and Moon
8. Why don’t Solar Eclipses occur every month?
• A) The moon is too small
• B) The Earth is too far from the Sun
• C) The moon’s orbit is tilted
• D) The Sun is too bright
Answer: C) The moon fully or partially blocks the Sun only when its orbit aligns with the Earth and Sun, which happens rarely.
9. What is the celestial event that occurs only during a full moon day?
• A) Lunar Eclipse
• B) Solar Eclipse
• C) Blue Moon
• D) Harvest Moon
Answer: A) Lunar Eclipse
10. Which eclipse is more common – Lunar or Solar?
• A) Lunar Eclipse
• B) Solar Eclipse
• C) They occur with the same frequency
• D) Both are rare events
Answer: A) Lunar Eclipse
Part-12
INTERIOR STRUCTURE OF THE EARTH The uppermost layer of the earth’s crust which is capable of supporting life is called Lithosphere. The earth’s interior has three different layers; they are (i) the crust (ii) mantle & (iii) the core. (a) Earth’s Crust: All of the Earth’s landform (mountains, plains, & plateaus) are contained within it, along with the oceans, seas, lakes & rivers. The thickness of earth’s crust is about 30 km. There are two different types of crust: thin oceanic crust that underlies the ocean basins & thicker continental crust that underlies the continents. The boundary between the crust & the mantle is Mohorovicic Discontinuity. (b) Earth’s Mantle: It is the thick, dense rocky matter that surrounds the core with a radius of about 2900 km. The mantle covers the majority of the Earth’s volume. This is basically composed of silicate rock rich in iron & magnesium. This layer is separated from the core by Gutenberg-Wiechert Discontinuity. The outer & the inner mantle are separated by another discontinuity named Repetti discontinuity. (c) Earth’s Core: Earth’s Core is composed mainly of an iron & nickel alloy. The thickness of core is about 3400 km. The core is made of two layers: the outer core, which borders the mantle, and the inner core. 1. What is the uppermost layer of the Earth’s crust capable of supporting life called?
• A) Mesosphere
• B) Asthenosphere
• C) Lithosphere
• D) Hydrosphere
Answer: C) Lithosphere
2. How many layers are there in the Earth’s interior structure?
• A) 2
• B) 3
• C) 4
• D) 5
Answer: B) 3
3. What does the Earth’s crust contain, including mountains, plains, plateaus, oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers?
• A) Mesosphere
• B) Asthenosphere
• C) Lithosphere
• D) Hydrosphere
Answer: C) Lithosphere
4. What is the thickness of the Earth’s crust?
• A) 10 km
• B) 20 km
• C) 30 km
• D) 40 km
Answer: C) 30 km
5. What are the two types of Earth’s crust based on thickness and location?
• A) Outer and Inner crust
• B) Oceanic and Continental crust
• C) Upper and Lower crust
• D) Silicate and Metallic crust
Answer: B) Oceanic and Continental crust
6. What is the boundary between the Earth’s crust and mantle known as?
• A) Mohorovicic Discontinuity
• B) Gutenberg-Wiechert Discontinuity
• C) Repetti Discontinuity
• D) Asthenosphere
Answer: A) Mohorovicic Discontinuity
7. What is the Earth’s mantle primarily composed of?
• A) Silicate rock rich in iron and magnesium
• B) Water and ice
• C) Metallic alloys
• D) Organic matter
Answer: A) Silicate rock rich in iron and magnesium
8. What is the radius of the Earth’s mantle?
• A) 1500 km
• B) 2000 km
• C) 2500 km
• D) 2900 km
Answer: D) 2900 km
9. What is the discontinuity that separates the outer and inner mantle called?
• A) Mohorovicic Discontinuity
• B) Gutenberg-Wiechert Discontinuity
• C) Repetti Discontinuity
• D) Asthenosphere
Answer: C) Repetti Discontinuity
10. What is the main composition of Earth’s core?
• A) Silicate rock
• B) Iron and Nickel alloy
• C) Water and ice
• D) Organic matter
Answer: B) Iron and Nickel alloy
Part-13
EARTHQUAKES (a) The sudden tremors or shaking of earth’s crust for a few second is called an earthquake. (b) The point at the surface directly above the focus is called the earthquake epicentre. (c) When the earth moves in an earthquake, it can cause waves in the ocean, & if a wave grows large enough, it’s called a “tsunami”. Underwater earthquakes sometimes produce large waves called Tsunami. (e) The magnitude of an earthquake & the intensity of shaking, is measured on a numerical scale called Mercalli Scale. On the scale, 3 or less is scarcely noticeable, & magnitude 7 (or mor(e) causes damage over a wide area. The point of origin of earthquake is called Seismic focus. The point on the earth’s surface vertically above the earth’s surface is called Epicentre. (f) The passage of earthquake waves is recorded by Seismograph. The magnitude of waves is measured on Richter’s scale. For measurement of the intensity of the earthquake (damage cause(d), the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale is used. Distribution of Earthquakes (a) Around the Pacific Ocean along a belt of volcanoes known as the Ring of Fire. Roughly 90% of all earthquakes occur along the Ring of Fire. (b) From the middle of Asia (Himalayas, Caspian Se(a) through the Mediterranean Sea to West Indies. (c) Mid-Atlantic ridge belt.
1. What is the term for the sudden shaking of the Earth’s crust for a few seconds?
• A) Tremor
• B) Tsunami
• C) Earthquake
• D) Seismograph
Answer: C) Earthquake
2. What is the point at the Earth’s surface directly above the earthquake’s focus called?
• A) Epicentre
• B) Seismic Point
• C) Tremor Centre
• D) Focus Point
Answer: A) Epicentre
3. What are large waves produced by underwater earthquakes called?
• A) Shockwaves
• B) Seismic Waves
• C) Tsunami
• D) Tidal Waves
Answer: C) Tsunami
4. What numerical scale is used to measure the magnitude and intensity of earthquakes?
• A) Seismograph Scale
• B) Richter’s Scale
• C) Epicentre Scale
• D) Mercalli Scale
Answer: B) Richter’s Scale
5. On the Mercalli Scale, what level indicates an earthquake that is scarcely noticeable?
• A) 1
• B) 3
• C) 5
• D) 7
Answer: B) 3
6. What magnitude on the Mercalli Scale causes damage over a wide area?
• A) Magnitude 5
• B) Magnitude 7
• C) Magnitude 9
• D) Magnitude 12
Answer: B) Magnitude 7 (or more)
7. What is the point of origin of an earthquake called?
• A) Seismic Centre
• B) Tremor Focus
• C) Seismic Point
• D) Focus
Answer: D) Focus
8. What instrument records the passage of earthquake waves?
• A) Tsunamograph
• B) Epicentrometer
• C) Seismograph
• D) Richterometer
Answer: C) Seismograph
9. What scale measures the intensity of an earthquake based on the damage caused?
• A) Richter’s Scale
• B) Mercalli Scale
• C) Seismic Intensity Scale
• D) Epicentre Scale
Answer: B) Mercalli Scale
10. In which belt, known as the Ring of Fire, do roughly 90% of all earthquakes occur?
• A) Middle-Eastern Belt
• B) Atlantic Ridge Belt
• C) Pacific Ocean Belt
• D) Himalayan Belt
Answer: C) Pacific Ocean Belt (Ring of Fire)
Part-14
VOLCANOES
A volcano is an opening in Earth’s crust that allows molten rock from beneath the crust to reach the surface. This molten rock is called magma when it is beneath the surface and lava when it erupts or flows from a volcano. Along with lava, volcanoes also release gases, ash, and rock. Types of Volcanoes Geologists have classified five different types of volcanoes. This classification is based on the geomorphic form, magma chemistry, & the explosiveness of the eruption. The least explosive type of volcano is called a basalt plateau. These volcanoes produce a very fluid basaltic magma with horizontal flows. Deposits of these volcanoes can be as thick as 1800 meters. Large basalt plateaus are found in the Columbia River Plateau, western India, northern Australia, Iceland, Brazil, Argentina, & Antarctica. Some basaltic magmas can produce very large slightly sloping volcanoes, 6 to 12°, that have gently flowing magmas called shield volcanoes Shield volcanoes can be up to 9000 meters tall. The volcanoes of the Hawaiian Islands are typical of this type. A cinder cone is a small volcano, between 100 & 400 meters tall, made up of exploded rock blasted out of a central vent at a high velocity. These volcanoes develop from magma of basaltic to intermediate composition. They form when large amounts of gas accumulate within rising magma. Examples of cider cones include Little Lake Volcano in California & Paricuti Volcano in Mexico. Composite volcanoes are made from alternate layers of lava flows & exploded rock. Their height ranges from 100 to 3500 meters tall. The chemistry of the magma of these volcanoes is quite variable ranging from basalt to granite. Magmas that are more granitic tend to be very explosive because of their relatively higher water content. Water at high temperatures & pressures is extremely volatile. Examples of composite volcanoes include Italy’s Vesuvius, Japan’s Mount Fuji, & Washington State’s Mount Rainier & Mount St. Helens.
1. What is an opening in Earth’s crust that allows molten rock to reach the surface called?
• A) Crevice
• B) Abyss
• C) Volcano
• D) Fissure
Answer: C) Volcano
2. What is the molten rock called when it is beneath the surface?
• A) Ash
• B) Magma
• C) Lava
• D) Basalt
Answer: B) Magma
3. What type of volcano is the least explosive and produces fluid basaltic magma with horizontal flows?
• A) Cinder Cone
• B) Composite Volcano
• C) Shield Volcano
• D) Basalt Plateau
Answer: D) Basalt Plateau
4. Where are large basalt plateaus found?
• A) Alps
• B) Himalayas
• C) Columbia River Plateau
• D) Rocky Mountains
Answer: C) Columbia River Plateau
5. What type of magma produces shield volcanoes with gently flowing magmas?
• A) Granitic
• B) Basaltic
• C) Andesitic
• D) Rhyolitic
Answer: B) Basaltic
6. How tall can shield volcanoes be?
• A) Up to 5000 meters
• B) Up to 7000 meters
• C) Up to 9000 meters
• D) Up to 10,000 meters
Answer: C) Up to 9000 meters
7. What type of volcano is small, made up of exploded rock, and develops from basaltic to intermediate composition?
• A) Cinder Cone
• B) Shield Volcano
• C) Basalt Plateau
• D) Composite Volcano
Answer: A) Cinder Cone
8. What are composite volcanoes made from?
• A) Only lava flows
• B) Only exploded rock
• C) Alternate layers of lava flows and exploded rock
• D) Only basaltic magma
Answer: C) Alternate layers of lava flows and exploded rock
9. What is the height range of composite volcanoes?
• A) 500 to 2500 meters
• B) 1000 to 4000 meters
• C) 100 to 3500 meters
• D) 2000 to 5000 meters
Answer: C) 100 to 3500 meters
10. Which volcano is an example of a composite volcano?
• A) Mount Everest
• B) Mount Fuji
• C) Mauna Loa
• D) Mount St. Helens
Answer: B) Mount Fuji
Part-15
Classification on the basis of Periodicity of Eruptions: Active Volcano: Volcanoes which erupt periodically. E.g. Maona Loa in Hawaii, Etna in Sicily, Vesuvius in Italy, Stromboli in Mediterranean Sea, etc. Dormant Volcano: Volcanoes which has been quiet for a long time but in which there is a possibility of eruption. E.g. Fujiyama in Japan, Krakatoa in Indonesia, Barren island Volcano in Andamans, etc. Extinct Volcano: An extinct volcano is one which is no longer active and hasn’t erupted in historical times. E.g. Mount Kilimjaro. Distribution of Volcanoes in the World About 15% of world’s active volcanoes are found along the ‘constructive or divergent’ plate margins, whereas 80% volcanoes are associated with the ‘destructive or convergent’ plate boundaries.
1. What is an Active Volcano?
• A) A volcano that has never erupted
• B) A dormant volcano
• C) A volcano that erupts periodically
• D) An extinct volcano
Answer: C) A volcano that erupts periodically
2. Which of the following is an example of an Active Volcano?
• A) Mount Everest
• B) Fujiyama in Japan
• C) Mount Kilimanjaro
• D) Mauna Loa in Hawaii
Answer: D) Mauna Loa in Hawaii
3. What is a Dormant Volcano?
• A) A volcano that has never erupted
• B) A volcano that erupts periodically
• C) A volcano that has been quiet for a long time with a possibility of eruption
• D) An extinct volcano
Answer: C) A volcano that has been quiet for a long time with a possibility of eruption
4. Which of the following is an example of a Dormant Volcano?
• A) Vesuvius in Italy
• B) Krakatoa in Indonesia
• C) Fujiyama in Japan
• D) Mauna Loa in Hawaii
Answer: C) Fujiyama in Japan
5. What is an Extinct Volcano?
• A) A volcano that has never erupted
• B) A dormant volcano
• C) A volcano that has been quiet for a long time with no historical eruptions
• D) A volcano that erupts periodically
Answer: C) A volcano that has been quiet for a long time with no historical eruptions
6. Which of the following is an example of an Extinct Volcano?
• A) Stromboli in Mediterranean Sea
• B) Barren Island Volcano in Andamans
• C) Mount Kilimanjaro
• D) Krakatoa in Indonesia
Answer: C) Mount Kilimanjaro
7. What percentage of the world’s active volcanoes are found along ‘constructive or divergent’ plate margins?
• A) 15%
• B) 30%
• C) 50%
• D) 80%
Answer: A) 15%
8. What percentage of volcanoes are associated with ‘destructive or convergent’ plate boundaries?
• A) 15%
• B) 30%
• C) 50%
• D) 80%
Answer: D) 80%
9. Which plate margins are associated with Active Volcanoes?
• A) Divergent
• B) Convergent
• C) Both Divergent and Convergent
• D) Transform
Answer: C) Both Divergent and Convergent
10. Which type of plate boundary is associated with Dormant and Extinct Volcanoes?
• A) Divergent
• B) Convergent
• C) Both Divergent and Convergent
• D) Transform
Answer: B) Convergent
Part-16
Earth Mountains Mountains Types – Fold, Block, Volcanic Mountains Types of Mountains Fold Mountains: They are formed when the rocks of the crust of the earth folded under stress, mainly by forces of compression (as a result of series of earthquakes). E.g.Himalayas, Alps, Andes, Rockies, Atlas, etc. Block Mountains: Earth movements generate tensional forces that tend to pull the crust apart,and faults are developed. If the block enclosed by faults remains as it is rises, and the land on either side subsides, the upstanding block become the horst or block mountain. The Great African Rift Valley (valley floor is graben), The Rhine Valley and the Vosges Mountain in Europe are examples. Volcanic Mountains: Volcanic mountains are formed due to volcanic activity.These are, in fact, volcanoes which are built up from material ejected from fissures in the earth’s crust. The materials include molten lava, volcanic bombs, cinders, ashes, dust and liquid mud.Volcanic mountains are often called mountains of accumulation. They are common in the Circum-Pacific belt and include such volcanic peaks as Mt. Fuji (Japan) Mt. Mayon (Philippines), Mt. Merapi (Sumatr(a) etc. Plateau -Plateau are elevated uplands with extensive level surfaces, and usually descends steeply to the surrounding lowland. Types of plateau – Tectonic and Volcanic plateau. Plain- A plain is a type of landform made up of a flat area that can exist in valleys, lowlands, on plateaus, or uplands. Types of plain- Structural Plain, Erosional Plain, Depositional plain, Glacial plain and Abyssal plain.
1. What forces primarily lead to the formation of Fold Mountains?
• A) Tensional forces
• B) Compressional forces
• C) Shearing forces
• D) Impact forces
Answer: B) Compressional forces
2. Which of the following is an example of Fold Mountains?
• A) Great African Rift Valley
• B) Rhine Valley
• C) Himalayas
• D) Rocky Mountains
Answer: C) Himalayas
3. What type of forces generate tensional forces that lead to the formation of Block Mountains?
• A) Compressional forces
• B) Shearing forces
• C) Extensional forces
• D) Impact forces
Answer: C) Extensional forces
4. What is the upstanding block in a Block Mountain called?
• A) Graben
• B) Vosges
• C) Horst
• D) Rift
Answer: C) Horst
5. Which valley is an example of a Block Mountain formation?
• A) Great African Rift Valley
• B) Rhine Valley
• C) Vosges Valley
• D) Andes Valley
Answer: A) Great African Rift Valley
6. What type of forces lead to the formation of Volcanic Mountains?
• A) Compressional forces
• B) Extensional forces
• C) Shearing forces
• D) Volcanic activity
Answer: D) Volcanic activity
7. Which mountain range is an example of Volcanic Mountains?
• A) Alps
• B) Rockies
• C) Andes
• D) Atlas
Answer: C) Andes
8. What materials contribute to the formation of Volcanic Mountains?
• A) Sediments
• B) Fossils
• C) Molten lava, volcanic bombs, cinders, ashes, dust, and liquid mud
• D) Sandstones
Answer: C) Molten lava, volcanic bombs, cinders, ashes, dust, and liquid mud
9. What type of plateau is formed due to tectonic processes?
• A) Structural Plateau
• B) Volcanic Plateau
• C) Erosional Plateau
• D) Depositional Plateau
Answer: A) Structural Plateau
10. What is the term for a flat landform that can exist in valleys, lowlands, on plateaus, or uplands?
• A) Ridge
• B) Plateau
• C) Mountain
• D) Plain
Answer: D) Plain
Part-17
ROCKS & MINERALS About 98 per cent of the total crust of the earth is composed of eight elements like oxygen, silicon, aluminum, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium & magnesium, & the rest is constituted by titanium, hydrogen, phosphorous, manganese, sulphur, carbon, nickel & other. (1) The three types of rocks are (i) Igneous Rocks (1) Igneous rocks solidify from a liquid magma as it cools. When magma cools rapidly, mineral crystals do not have time to grow very large. On the other hand when magma cools slowly crystals grow to several millimeters or more in size. Granite & basalt are the examples of IR. Igneous rocks are classified as (a) Extrusive Rocks Extrusive igneous rocks solidify from molten material that flows over the earth’s surface (lav(a). Common extrusive rocks are (a) basalt, (b) andesite, & (c) rhyolite. (b) Intrusive Rocks Intrusive rocks form from molten material (magm(a) that flows & solidifies underground. Common rock types within the intrusive category are granite & diorite.
1. What are the primary elements that make up about 98% of the earth’s crust? • A) Hydrogen, Carbon, Oxygen
• B) Oxygen, Silicon, Aluminum
• C) Iron, Sodium, Potassium
• D) Calcium, Phosphorous, Manganese
Answer: B) Oxygen, Silicon, Aluminum
2. How do Igneous Rocks solidify?
• A) From sedimentation
• B) From crystallization of minerals
• C) From compression of layers
• D) From the cooling of magma
Answer: D) From the cooling of magma
3. What determines the size of mineral crystals in Igneous Rocks?
• A) Composition of minerals
• B) Rate of cooling
• C) Pressure applied
• D) Presence of water
Answer: B) Rate of cooling
4. Which of the following is an example of an Extrusive Igneous Rock?
• A) Granite
• B) Basalt
• C) Diorite
• D) Rhyolite
Answer: B) Basalt
5. How do Extrusive Igneous Rocks solidify?
• A) Underground
• B) From crystallization
• C) On the earth’s surface (lava)
• D) Under high pressure
Answer: C) On the earth’s surface (lava)
6. Which of the following is an example of an Intrusive Igneous Rock?
• A) Basalt
• B) Andesite
• C) Granite
• D) Rhyolite
Answer: C) Granite
7. How do Intrusive Igneous Rocks form?
• A) From sedimentation
• B) From the cooling of magma underground
• C) By compression of layers
• D) From volcanic eruptions
Answer: B) From the cooling of magma underground
8. What type of rocks are formed from the cooling of magma that flows over the earth’s surface?
• A) Intrusive Rocks
• B) Sedimentary Rocks
• C) Extrusive Rocks
• D) Metamorphic Rocks
Answer: C) Extrusive Rocks
9. What are the common extrusive rocks mentioned in the text?
• A) Granite, Diorite
• B) Basalt, Andesite, Rhyolite
• C) Sandstone, Limestone
• D) Shale, Slate
Answer: B) Basalt, Andesite, Rhyolite
10. What is the process by which intrusive rocks form?
• A) Erosion
• B) Sedimentation
• C) Cooling of magma underground
• D) Volcanic eruptions
Answer: C) Cooling of magma underground
Part-18
ii. Sedimentary Rocks These are types of rocks created from deposition of layers upon layers of sediments over time. These types of rocks are formed on the Earth’s surface as well as underwater. Examples – Sandstone, limestone, stromatolites, oil shale & coal shale, gypsum, shale, & conglomerate. iii. Metamorphic Rocks Metamorphic rocks are any rock type that has been altered by heat, pressure, and/or the chemical action of fluids & gases. When igneous rocks, or sedimentary rocks, or even metamorphic rocks get buried very deep under the earth’s surface, a process that takes millions of years, they get changed into something else by the enormous pressure & heat inside the earth. Some examples of metamorphic rocks are: • Limestone being changed into marble • Shale turning into slate • Granite being changed into gneiss • Sandstone turning into quartzite.
1. How are Sedimentary Rocks formed?
• A) From the cooling of magma
• B) By compression of layers
• C) From the alteration of other rocks
• D) From deposition of layers of sediments
Answer: D) From deposition of layers of sediments
2. Which of the following is an example of a Sedimentary Rock?
• A) Granite
• B) Limestone
• C) Gneiss
• D) Quartzite
Answer: B) Limestone
3. What process leads to the formation of Metamorphic Rocks?
• A) Deposition
• B) Erosion
• C) Alteration by heat, pressure, and/or chemical action
• D) Volcanic activity
Answer: C) Alteration by heat, pressure, and/or chemical action
4. How do Metamorphic Rocks form?
• A) Rapid cooling of magma
• B) Alteration by heat and pressure under the earth’s surface
• C) Deposition of layers of sediments
• D) Volcanic eruptions
Answer: B) Alteration by heat and pressure under the earth’s surface
5. Which rock type is formed from the alteration of other rocks under heat, pressure, and chemical action?
• A) Igneous Rocks
• B) Sedimentary Rocks
• C) Metamorphic Rocks
• D) Extrusive Rocks
Answer: C) Metamorphic Rocks
6. What is an example of a Metamorphic Rock formed from limestone?
• A) Granite
• B) Slate
• C) Gneiss
• D) Quartzite
Answer: B) Slate
7. Which process takes millions of years for rocks to change into something else under the earth’s surface?
• A) Rapid cooling
• B) Volcanic eruptions
• C) Erosion
• D) Burial and alteration by heat and pressure
Answer: D) Burial and alteration by heat and pressure
8. What is an example of a Metamorphic Rock formed from shale?
• A) Marble
• B) Slate
• C) Quartzite
• D) Gneiss
Answer: B) Slate
9. What kind of rocks are created from deposition of layers upon layers of sediments over time?
• A) Igneous Rocks
• B) Metamorphic Rocks
• C) Extrusive Rocks
• D) Sedimentary Rocks
Answer: D) Sedimentary Rocks
10. Which of the following is not an example of a Sedimentary Rock?
• A) Sandstone
• B) Gypsum
• C) Gneiss
• D) Conglomerate
Answer: C) Gneiss
Part-19
ATMOSPHERE Atmosphere is a thick gaseous envelope that surrounds the earth & extends thousands of kilometers above the earth’s surface. Much of the life on the earth exists because of the atmosphere otherwise the earth would have been barren. Nitrogen & Oxygen comprise 99% of the total volume of the atmosphere. Structure of the Atmosphere The atmosphere consists of almost concentric layers of air with varying density & temperature. (a) Troposphere: • Lowest layer of the atmosphere. • The height of troposphere is 16 km thick over the equator & 10 km thick at the poles. • All weather phenomena are confined to troposphere (e.g. fog, cloud, frost, rainfall, storms, etc.) • Temperature decreases with height in this layer roughly at the rate of 6.5° per 1000 metres, which is called normal lapse rate. • Upper limit of the troposphere is called tropopause which is about 1.5 km. (b) Stratosphere: The stratosphere is more or less devoid of major weather phenomenon but there is circulation of feeble winds & cirrus cloud in the lower stratosphere. • Jet aircrafts fly through the lower stratosphere because it provides perfect flying conditions. • Ozone layer lies within the stratosphere mostly at the altitude of 15 to 35 km above earth’s surface. • Ozone layer acts as a protective cover as it absorbs ultra-voilet rays of solar radiation. • Depletion of ozone may result in rise of temperature of ground surface & lower atmosphere. • Temperature rises from -60°C at the base of the stratosphere to its upper boundary as it absorbs ultravoilet rays. • Upper limit of the Stratosphere is called stratopause. (c) Mesosphere • Mesosphere extends to the height of 50-90 km. • Temperature decreases with height. It reaches a minimum of -80°C at an altitude of 80-90 km • The upper limit is called mesopause. (d) Thermosphere • It lies at 80 km to 640 km above the earth’s surface. • It is also known as ionosphere. • Temperature increases rapidly with increasing height. • It is an electrically charged layer. This layer is produced due to interaction of solar radiation & the chemicals present, thus disappears with the sunset. • There are a number of layers in thermosphere e.g. Dlayer, E-layer, F-layer & G-layer. • Radio waves transmitted from earth are reflected back to the earth by these layers. (e) Exosphere • This is the uppermost layer of the atmosphere extending beyond the ionosphere. • The density is very low & temperature becomes 5568°C. • This layer merges with the outer space. About Ionosphere At heights of 80 km (50 miles), the gas is so thin that free electrons can exist for short periods of time before they are captured by a nearby positive ion. This portion of the atmosphere is ionized & contains plasma which is referred to as the ionosphere. The Ultraviolet (UV), X-Ray & shorter wavelengths of solar radiation ionizes the atmosphere. The ionosphere is broken down into the D, E & F regions.
1. What is the primary composition of Earth’s atmosphere?
• A) Carbon dioxide and oxygen
• B) Nitrogen and oxygen
• C) Helium and hydrogen
• D) Methane and nitrogen
Answer: B) Nitrogen and oxygen
2. Which layer of the atmosphere is the lowest and where all weather phenomena occur?
• A) Troposphere
• B) Stratosphere
• C) Mesosphere
• D) Thermosphere
Answer: A) Troposphere
3. What is the height of the Troposphere over the equator?
• A) 5 km
• B) 10 km
• C) 16 km
• D) 1.5 km
Answer: C) 16 km
4. In which layer of the atmosphere does the ozone layer exist?
• A) Troposphere
• B) Stratosphere
• C) Mesosphere
• D) Thermosphere
Answer: B) Stratosphere
5. What is the upper limit of the Troposphere called?
• A) Stratopause
• B) Mesopause
• C) Tropopause
• D) Exopause
Answer: C) Tropopause
6. Why do jet aircraft fly through the lower Stratosphere?
• A) Presence of ozone layer
• B) Perfect flying conditions
• C) Circulation of feeble winds
• D) Presence of cirrus clouds
Answer: B) Perfect flying conditions
7. Where does the Mesosphere extend to in terms of height?
• A) 50-80 km
• B) 80-90 km
• C) 90-120 km
• D) 120-150 km
Answer: B) 80-90 km
8. Which layer of the atmosphere is also known as the ionosphere?
• A) Troposphere
• B) Stratosphere
• C) Mesosphere
• D) Thermosphere
Answer: D) Thermosphere
9. At what height does the Thermosphere lie above the Earth’s surface?
• A) 50 km
• B) 80 km
• C) 200 km
• D) 640 km
Answer: D) 640 km
10. What is the uppermost layer of the atmosphere that extends beyond the ionosphere called?
• A) Ionosphere
• B) Mesosphere
• C) Thermosphere
• D) Exosphere
Answer: D) Exosphere
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