What part of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer? i.e. - Where is most of the ozone?

Options

A. troposphere (0-15 km)
B. stratosphere (15-50 km)
C. mesosphere (50-80 km)
D. thermosphere (above 80 km)

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Ozone**: Ozone is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms (O3) and is found in the atmosphere. It plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

2. **Identifying Atmospheric Layers**: The atmosphere is divided into several layers, including:
- Troposphere: The lowest layer where weather occurs and where we live.
- Stratosphere: The layer above the troposphere, which contains the ozone layer.
- Mesosphere: The layer above the stratosphere where meteors burn up.
- Thermosphere: The outermost layer where temperatures are very high and phenomena like auroras occur.

3. **Locating the Ozone Layer**: The ozone layer is primarily located in the stratosphere. This layer is crucial for filtering out the sun's harmful UVB rays, thus protecting living organisms from potential health issues such as skin cancer and eye diseases.

4. **Conclusion**: The correct answer to the question "What part of the atmosphere contains the ozone layer?" is the stratosphere.

**Final Answer**: The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere.

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