Which sequence lists the four major atmospheric layers from the surface upward with their approximate altitude ranges?

Which sequence lists the four major atmospheric layers from the surface upward with their approximate altitude ranges?

• A. Exosphere; Thermosphere; Mesosphere; Stratosphere
• B. Troposphere 0–12 km; Stratosphere 12–50 km; Mesosphere 50–85 km; Thermosphere 85–600 km
• C. Troposphere 0–12 km; Stratosphere 12–50 km; Mesosphere 50–85 km; Thermosphere 85–600 km
• D. Thermosphere; Mesosphere; Stratosphere; Troposphere

Answer: (C)

Understanding how the atmosphere stacks up from the ground helps explain why this sequence fits. The four major layers, from lowest to highest, are the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere. The troposphere extends from the surface to about 12 km and is where weather occurs; above it, the stratosphere reaches roughly 12 to 50 km and contains the ozone layer, with temperature generally increasing with height. Next is the mesosphere, about 50 to 85 km up, where temperatures fall with altitude and meteors burn up. Finally, the thermosphere spans roughly 85 to 600 km, where the air is extremely thin and temperatures rise with solar input. The option listing Troposphere 0–12 km; Stratosphere 12–50 km; Mesosphere 50–85 km; Thermosphere 85–600 km matches this order and these ranges, making it the correct choice. The exosphere sits above the thermosphere and is not part of this four-layer sequence.

Understanding how the atmosphere stacks up from the ground helps explain why this sequence fits. The four major layers, from lowest to highest, are the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere. The troposphere extends from the surface to about 12 km and is where weather occurs; above it, the stratosphere reaches roughly 12 to 50 km and contains the ozone layer, with temperature generally increasing with height. Next is the mesosphere, about 50 to 85 km up, where temperatures fall with altitude and meteors burn up. Finally, the thermosphere spans roughly 85 to 600 km, where the air is extremely thin and temperatures rise with solar input. The option listing Troposphere 0–12 km; Stratosphere 12–50 km; Mesosphere 50–85 km; Thermosphere 85–600 km matches this order and these ranges, making it the correct choice. The exosphere sits above the thermosphere and is not part of this four-layer sequence.