Question

How does the atmosphere act as a protective blanket? Mention the harmful affects of ultraviolet rays?

Answer 1

• The atmosphere acts as a shield or blanket of the earth.
  
• It absorbs the heat rays from the sun and keeps the earth warm, this is called the Greenhouse Effect.
• It maintains the overall temperature of the earth, between night and day.
• The ozone layer in the atmosphere helps to protect the earth from the sun's harmful UV radiations.
• The atmosphere also helps to form weather patterns and climate.
• The weather keeps too much hot air from forming in one place and causes storms and rainfall.
  
• The harmful effects of UV rays are:-

1) Over-exposure to UV radiation has a harmful effect on the immune system.
2) Eyes are sensitive to UV rays and it causes corneal damage, cataracts and macular degeneration.

3) It damages the skin as it absorbs the energy from UV rays.