Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question asks for the specific layer of Earth's atmosphere where the protective ozone layer is located.
Step 2: Key Formulas and approach:
Understand the vertical structure of the atmosphere.
From the ground up, the layers are: Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, and Exosphere.
Identify which of these layers contains high concentrations of ozone gas (\(O_3\)).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
$\bullet$ The Troposphere is the lowest layer, extending up to about \(12\text{ km}\) where weather events occur.
$\bullet$ The Stratosphere lies directly above the troposphere, extending from about \(12\text{ km}\) to \(50\text{ km}\) above the Earth's surface.
$\bullet$ The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which is a region of high concentration of ozone molecules. This ozone absorbs the majority of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
$\bullet$ The Mesosphere lies above the stratosphere, and the Exosphere is the outermost boundary. Neither of these contains the ozone layer.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Thus, the ozone layer is located in the Stratosphere, which is Option (C).