Which is the correct sequence of the Earth’s atmosphere starting from the lowest layer

Which is the correct sequence of the Earth’s atmosphere starting from the lowest layer?

a. exosphere, thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, troposphere

b. troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere

c. troposphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, stratosphere, exosphere

d. mesosphere, exosphere, thermosphere, stratosphere, troposphere

The correct answer and explanation is:

The correct answer is b. troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere.

The Earth’s atmosphere is divided into five distinct layers, each with unique characteristics. The layers are arranged by altitude, starting from the Earth’s surface.

1. Troposphere: This is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, extending from the Earth’s surface up to about 8 to 15 kilometers (depending on the latitude). It contains most of the atmosphere’s mass, including water vapor and weather systems. The troposphere is where clouds form, weather events occur, and temperatures generally decrease with altitude.
2. Stratosphere: Located above the troposphere, the stratosphere extends from around 15 kilometers to about 50 kilometers above Earth’s surface. It is where the ozone layer is found, which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation. The temperature in the stratosphere increases with altitude, in contrast to the troposphere.
3. Mesosphere: Above the stratosphere, the mesosphere reaches from about 50 kilometers to 85 kilometers in altitude. In this layer, the temperature again decreases with altitude, and it is where most meteors burn up upon entering the Earth’s atmosphere.
4. Thermosphere: The thermosphere extends from about 85 kilometers to 600 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. It is characterized by a sharp increase in temperature with altitude. The thermosphere contains very thin air, and it is where the auroras (Northern and Southern Lights) occur.
5. Exosphere: The outermost layer, the exosphere, starts at about 600 kilometers and gradually transitions into outer space. The air density is extremely low here, and particles in this layer can escape into space.

Thus, the correct order of the layers from the Earth’s surface to space is troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere.