Where in the atmosphere is the ozone layer located ?
[Choice A] stratosphere
[Choice B] thermosphere
[Choice C] trophoshere
[Choice D] mesosphere
Choice A] stratosphere
The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere.
The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere. To determine the correct answer, we need to have some basic knowledge about Earth's atmospheric layers.
The Earth's atmosphere is divided into layers based on temperature changes. The four main layers are the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere.
The troposphere is the layer closest to the Earth's surface, extending up to about 8-15 kilometers (5-9 miles) depending on the location. The weather occurs in this layer, and it's where we live and where most of Earth's air mass is found.
Above the troposphere is the stratosphere, which extends from about 15-50 kilometers (9-31 miles) above the Earth's surface. This layer contains the ozone layer, located at an altitude of about 20-30 kilometers (12-19 miles). The ozone layer contains a high concentration of ozone molecules, which absorb and scatter a significant portion of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation, protecting life on Earth from harmful UV rays.
The mesosphere is the next layer above the stratosphere, extending from about 50-85 kilometers (31-53 miles). It is known for its extremely cold temperatures and is where most meteors burn up upon entry into the atmosphere.
Finally, the thermosphere is the outermost layer and extends from about 85 kilometers (53 miles) to the edge of space. It is a layer with very high temperatures and is characterized by the absorption of solar radiation, which causes the air molecules in this layer to be highly energized.
Based on this information, we can conclude that the ozone layer is located in the stratosphere. Therefore, the correct answer is [Choice A] stratosphere.