NCERT solutions for Social Science Understanding Society India and Beyond Part 1 [English] Class 9 chapter 3 - Atmosphere and Climate [Latest edition]

What is the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere?

How do the different layers of the atmosphere affect the planet Earth?

What is the mechanism of a monsoon?

How can we reduce our carbon footprint?

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

How is nitrogen useful for plants? Remember that you learnt this in the chapter ‘The Invisible Living World: Beyond Our Naked Eyes’, in your Grade 8 Science textbook.

You might have noticed that sometimes the wind is so strong that it is difficult to walk against it. Can you think of some other times when strong winds have caused problems for you?

Find out other categories of wind based on speed and their common effects, and share your findings in class.

Local winds such as the land breeze and the sea breeze, also affect the weather and climate of a place. They are essential in creating moderate climatic conditions in the coastal region.

Note down the weather report from a local newspaper for two weeks and observe the changes occurring in the weather.

Hindustani Classical music associates certain rāgas with specific seasons. Find out which rāgas are connected to each season with the help of your elders and teachers.

Describe in your own words how monsoon affects the lives of the people around you.

My Carbon Footprint

Step 1: My Daily Habits

Tick the options that best describe you.

1. Transport 
   • I usually walk/use a cycle. (Low impact)
   • I use public transport/carpool. (Medium impact)
   • I travel by private cars even for short distances. (High impact).
   • I take flights more than twice a year. (Very high impact)
2. Electricity Use 
   • I always switch off electrical appliances (lights, fans, etc.) when not in use. (Low impact)
   • I sometimes forget to switch off electrical appliances (lights, fans, etc.). (Medium impact)
   • I leave electrical appliances (lights, fans, etc.) on frequently. (High impact)
3. Water Use
   • I use water judiciously, for example, just one bucket of water for bathing. (Low impact)
   • I sometimes waste water (leaving the tap running/ more buckets of water for a bath/long showers). (Medium impact)
   • I rarely think about saving water. (High impact)
4. Waste and Plastics
   • I reuse, recycle, and avoid single-use plastics. (Low impact)
   • I sometimes use disposable plastics (bottles/bags/ straws). (Medium impact)
   • I often throw away plastic and do not recycle. (High impact)

Step 2: Score Yourself

• • Low impact choices = 1 point
  • Medium impact choices = 2 points
  • High impact choices = 3 points
  • Very high impact choices = 4 points

Now add up your total score: ______ points

Step 3: My Climate Action Pledge

Think about two simple changes you can make to reduce your score, and write them down below.

1. .................................
2. .................................

To what extent did natural factors cause these floods compared to human activities?

Do you think better planning could have reduced the damage? How?

What are the guidelines for the management of floods according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)?

What role can students/youth play in helping with disaster preparedness?

What is atmosphere?

Explain its composition with the help of a pie diagram.

Draw a labelled diagram of the structure of the atmosphere.

Which are the four main seasons of India?

Why do you not feel the pressure of the atmosphere?

In which layer of the atmosphere do aeroplanes fly and why?

Distinguish between the following:

The troposphere and stratosphere

Distinguish between

North East Monsoon and South West Monsoon.

1. Now look at the table again. Rearrange the 10 stations according to their distance from the equator.

2. Find out:

1. Two stations with the most extreme climate
2. Two stations influenced by retreating monsoons.
3. The two hottest stations in the months of
   1. February
   2. June

3. Now find out:

1. Why does Shillong experience more rainfall than Kolkata?
2. Why does Delhi receive more rainfall than Jodhpur?

4. Now think about why

1. Thiruvananthapuram has an equable climate?
2. Chennai has more rainfall only after the fury of the monsoon is over in most parts of the country?
3. Leh has moderate precipitation almost throughout the year?

5. Despite these differences across regions, can you observe any substantial evidence to conclude that the monsoons provide a very strong framework, lending overall climatic unity to the whole country?

Collect pictures of houses and clothing of people from different regions of India. Examine whether they reflect any relationship with the climatic conditions or the relief of those regions.