Which layer contains the ozone layer?

Which layer contains the ozone layer?

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

Answer: (B)

The ozone layer lives in the stratosphere, the atmospheric region above the troposphere. In this layer, ultraviolet sunlight drives the formation of ozone from oxygen molecules, and the conditions allow ozone to accumulate into a relatively distinct layer. The stratosphere’s temperature structure also helps keep this ozone concentrated there, because the layer becomes warmer with altitude as ozone absorbs UV radiation, reducing mixing with the air below. This makes the stratosphere the ideal home for most of the ozone that protects life from harmful UV radiation. The troposphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere don’t support a similar, stable ozone layer due to weather-driven mixing, lower densities, and different chemical processes.

The ozone layer lives in the stratosphere, the atmospheric region above the troposphere. In this layer, ultraviolet sunlight drives the formation of ozone from oxygen molecules, and the conditions allow ozone to accumulate into a relatively distinct layer. The stratosphere’s temperature structure also helps keep this ozone concentrated there, because the layer becomes warmer with altitude as ozone absorbs UV radiation, reducing mixing with the air below. This makes the stratosphere the ideal home for most of the ozone that protects life from harmful UV radiation. The troposphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere don’t support a similar, stable ozone layer due to weather-driven mixing, lower densities, and different chemical processes.