Question

Ozone layer, which absorbs the ultra-violet radiation, is found in which one of the following layers of the atmosphere?
1. Ionosphere
2. Troposphere
3. Mesosphere
4. Stratosphere

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : Stratosphere

The correct answer is Stratosphere.

• The ozone layer is a natural layer of gas in the upper atmosphere that protects humans and other living things from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
• The ozone layer is typically thicker over the poles than over the equator.
• The ozone layer exists in the stratosphere, a layer 10 to 50 km above the Earth’s surface.
• The reasons for ozone depletion are a wide range of industrial and consumer applications, mainly refrigerators, air conditioners (hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)), and fire extinguishers.
• Ozone depletion is greatest at the South Pole (Antarctica).

• Earth's atmosphere has a series of layers, each with its own specific traits. Moving upward from ground level, these layers have named the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, Ionosphere, and exosphere.
• Troposphere:
  • The troposphere is the lowest layer of our atmosphere.
  • Starting at ground level, it extends upward to about 10 km above sea level.
  • Humans live in the troposphere, and nearly all weather occurs in this lowest layer.
  • Most clouds appear here, mainly because 99% of the water vapor in the atmosphere is found in the troposphere.
• Stratosphere:
  • The next layer up is called the stratosphere.
  • The stratosphere extends from the top of the troposphere to about 50 km above the ground.
  • The infamous ozone layer is found within the stratosphere.
  • Commercial passenger jets fly in the lower stratosphere, partly because this less-turbulent layer provides a smoother ride.
• Mesosphere:
  • Above the stratosphere is the mesosphere.
  • It extends upward to a height of about 85 km above our planet.
  • Most meteors burn up in the mesosphere.
  • The coldest temperatures in Earth's atmosphere, about -90° C (-130° F), are found near the top of this layer.
• Thermosphere:
  • The layer of very rare air above the mesosphere is called the thermosphere.
  • The thermosphere starts just above the mesosphere and extends to 600 kilometers high.
  • High-energy X-rays and UV radiation from the Sun are absorbed in the thermosphere.
  • Raising its temperature to hundreds or at times thousands of degrees.
  • Many satellites actually orbit Earth within the thermosphere.
  • The aurora, the Northern Lights, and Southern Lights occur in the thermosphere.
• Exosphere:
  • This is the upper limit of our atmosphere. It extends from the top of the thermosphere up to 10,000 km.

• This severe depletion creates the so-called “ozone hole”.
• The Negative Effects of the ozone hole are certain types of skin cancers, eye cataracts, and immune deficiency disorders.
  • UV rays also affect plant growth, reducing agricultural productivity.
• The international community established the Montreal Protocol on ozone-depleting substances in 1987, to address the destruction of the ozone layer.