MCQ Detailed View

The stratosphere is the second layer of Earth’s atmosphere, located above the troposphere and below the mesosphere, extending roughly from 12 km to 50 km above the surface. One of its most important features is the presence of the ozone layer, which absorbs most of the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun. UV radiation is highly energetic and can cause skin damage, eye problems, and harm to living organisms if it reaches the Earth’s surface in large amounts.

The ozone molecules in the stratosphere absorb UV-B and UV-C radiation, converting it into heat, which slightly warms the stratosphere and protects life below. Infrared radiation is primarily absorbed by water vapor and carbon dioxide in the troposphere, while radio waves travel through the atmosphere with minimal absorption. The ozone layer itself is not a type of radiation; instead, it acts as a shield to filter UV radiation.

This absorption process is vital for maintaining a safe environment for life on Earth. Without the stratosphere’s UV protection, genetic mutations and other health risks would increase significantly. The energy absorbed by the ozone also affects temperature distribution and atmospheric circulation in the stratosphere.

Understanding the role of the stratosphere and the ozone layer is essential in climate science, environmental studies, and space research. The stratosphere absorbs ultraviolet radiation, ensuring that only a safe portion of solar energy reaches the Earth, while the rest is filtered out. This makes it a critical layer for both protection and stability of the planet’s atmosphere.