Question

Consider the following statements:

1. Dust particles and water vapour are mainly confined to the troposphere.

2. The stratosphere is free from turbulence and ideal for flying jet aircraft.

Which of the above is/are correct?

• A. 1 only
• B. 2 only
• C. Both 1 and 2
• D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Both 1 and 2

• Correct Answer: Option C) Both 1 and 2

• Statement 1: Dust particles and water vapour are mainly confined to the troposphere.

• This statement is Correct. The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, extending from Earth's surface up to about 8-15 km altitude. It contains approximately 75% of the atmosphere's mass and almost all of its water vapor. Weather phenomena, clouds, and most atmospheric dust particles are concentrated in this layer due to convection currents and the fact that most atmospheric mixing occurs here.

• Statement 2: The stratosphere is free from turbulence and ideal for flying jet aircraft.

• This statement is also Correct. The stratosphere lies above the troposphere, from about 15 km to 50 km altitude. It is characterized by stable air masses with minimal vertical air movement, making it relatively free from the turbulence commonly found in the troposphere. This stability, combined with the presence of the jet stream at the tropopause (boundary between troposphere and stratosphere), makes it ideal for commercial jet aircraft to fly efficiently with less fuel consumption and smoother flights.