Which atmospheric layer contains the ozone layer that absorbs UV radiation?

Which atmospheric layer contains the ozone layer that absorbs UV radiation?

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

Answer: (B)

The ozone layer that shields us from most UV radiation is located in the stratosphere, the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere. In this region, ozone molecules absorb much of the sun’s ultraviolet light, especially UV-B and UV-C, converting that energy into heat and helping protect living things on the surface. The troposphere, where weather happens, has ozone too but in far smaller amounts and it’s not the stable, worldwide shield. The mesosphere and thermosphere contain far less ozone, so they don’t form the protective layer seen in the stratosphere.

The ozone layer that shields us from most UV radiation is located in the stratosphere, the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere. In this region, ozone molecules absorb much of the sun’s ultraviolet light, especially UV-B and UV-C, converting that energy into heat and helping protect living things on the surface. The troposphere, where weather happens, has ozone too but in far smaller amounts and it’s not the stable, worldwide shield. The mesosphere and thermosphere contain far less ozone, so they don’t form the protective layer seen in the stratosphere.