What is the correct sequence of atmospheric layers from lowest to highest with their typical altitude ranges?

What is the correct sequence of atmospheric layers from lowest to highest with their typical altitude ranges?

• A. Stratosphere 0km-12km; Troposphere 12km-50km; Thermosphere 50km-700km; Exosphere >700km
• B. Exosphere >700km; Troposphere 0-12; Stratosphere 12-50; Thermosphere 50-700
• C. Exosphere >700km; Troposphere 0-12km; Stratosphere 12-50km; Thermosphere 50-700km
• D. Troposphere 0km-12km; Stratosphere 12km-50km; Thermosphere 50km-700km; Exosphere >700km

Answer: (D)

The question tests understanding of the vertical arrangement of Earth's atmospheric layers from the surface upward and their approximate altitude spans. The lowest layer is the troposphere, extending from ground level up to about 12 kilometers, and it’s where most weather happens. Above that lies the stratosphere, roughly 12 to 50 kilometers, which contains the ozone layer and where temperature tends to increase with height. Next comes the thermosphere, spanning about 50 to 700 kilometers, a region with extremely thin air and temperatures that rise with altitude due to solar radiation. Finally, the exosphere begins above roughly 700 kilometers and blends into space. This sequence—troposphere, stratosphere, thermosphere, exosphere with the given ranges—matches the correct option. The other sequences mix up the order or place layers at incorrect heights, so they don’t fit the standard ascending structure.

The question tests understanding of the vertical arrangement of Earth's atmospheric layers from the surface upward and their approximate altitude spans. The lowest layer is the troposphere, extending from ground level up to about 12 kilometers, and it’s where most weather happens. Above that lies the stratosphere, roughly 12 to 50 kilometers, which contains the ozone layer and where temperature tends to increase with height. Next comes the thermosphere, spanning about 50 to 700 kilometers, a region with extremely thin air and temperatures that rise with altitude due to solar radiation. Finally, the exosphere begins above roughly 700 kilometers and blends into space. This sequence—troposphere, stratosphere, thermosphere, exosphere with the given ranges—matches the correct option. The other sequences mix up the order or place layers at incorrect heights, so they don’t fit the standard ascending structure.