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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements best describes a key feature of Earth's atmosphere in the stratosphere?
A
It contains the highest concentration of water vapor in the atmosphere.
B
It is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, where weather occurs.
C
It contains the ozone layer, which absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation.
D
It is characterized by decreasing temperature with increasing altitude.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of Earth's atmosphere: The atmosphere is divided into layers based on temperature gradients. These layers include the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere.
Focus on the stratosphere: The stratosphere is the second layer of Earth's atmosphere, located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. It extends approximately 10 to 50 kilometers above Earth's surface.
Learn the key feature of the stratosphere: The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which plays a critical role in absorbing and blocking most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Clarify temperature trends in the stratosphere: Unlike the troposphere, the stratosphere is characterized by increasing temperature with altitude due to the absorption of UV radiation by ozone molecules.
Eliminate incorrect options: The stratosphere does not contain the highest concentration of water vapor (this is found in the troposphere), nor is it the lowest layer where weather occurs (also the troposphere). The temperature trend in the stratosphere is increasing, not decreasing, with altitude.