Question

In which layer of the atmosphere is ozone predominantly found, acting as a shield against ultraviolet rays?

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

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Stratosphere

• Correct Answer: Option B) Stratosphere

• The ozone layer is predominantly found in the stratosphere, which is the second layer of Earth's atmosphere located approximately 10-30 miles (16-48 kilometers) above the Earth's surface.

• The stratosphere contains about 90% of the Earth's ozone, with the highest concentration occurring in what is specifically called the "ozone layer" at an altitude of about 12-19 miles (20-30 kilometers). This ozone layer acts as a crucial shield that absorbs and blocks most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly UV-B and UV-C rays, preventing them from reaching the Earth's surface.

• Without this protective ozone layer in the stratosphere, life on Earth would be severely threatened by increased UV radiation, which can cause skin cancer, cataracts, immune system suppression, and damage to marine ecosystems and plant life. The ozone molecules (O₃) in the stratosphere are formed when oxygen molecules (O₂) are broken apart by solar radiation and then recombine with other oxygen atoms.

• The other atmospheric layers - troposphere (where we live and weather occurs), mesosphere (where meteors burn up), and thermosphere (where auroras occur) - do not contain significant amounts of ozone and do not serve as the primary shield against ultraviolet radiation.