Question

Which of the following layers of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer that absorbs UV radiation?

• A. Troposphere
• B. Stratosphere
• C. Mesosphere
• D. Thermosphere

Hint:

Remember the order of atmospheric layers from Earth's surface upward: {Troposphere → Stratosphere → Mesosphere → Thermosphere}. The {ozone layer is located in the Stratosphere}.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Earth’s atmosphere is divided into several layers based on temperature variation with altitude. These layers are:

• Troposphere – The lowest layer where weather phenomena occur.
• Stratosphere – The second layer that contains the ozone layer.
• Mesosphere – The layer where meteors burn up.
• Thermosphere – The upper layer where auroras occur and satellites orbit.

The ozone layer is a region rich in ozone (\(O_3\)) molecules located mainly in the stratosphere, approximately \(15\)–\(35\) km above the Earth's surface. It plays a crucial role in absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun.
Step 1: Identifying the atmospheric layer containing ozone.
The ozone layer is concentrated in the stratosphere, where ozone molecules absorb most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Step 2: Eliminating other options.

• Troposphere: Contains weather systems but not the ozone layer.
• Mesosphere: Known for meteor burning, not ozone concentration.
• Thermosphere: Very thin air, contains ionized gases but not the ozone layer.

Thus, the correct atmospheric layer containing the ozone layer is the Stratosphere.