In which sphere of the atmosphere is harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiatio

In which sphere of the atmosphere is harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun absorbed ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Mesosphere” option2=”Thermosphere” option3=”Troposphere” option4=”Stratosphere” correct=”option4″]

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UPSC Geoscientist – 2024

The atmosphere is composed of several layers, each with distinct characteristics regarding temperature, composition, and phenomena. The absorption of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun primarily occurs in a specific layer.

– The **Stratosphere** contains the ozone layer (O₃). Ozone molecules are highly effective at absorbing UV-B and UV-C radiation from the sun, preventing most of it from reaching the Earth’s surface.
– The Mesosphere is above the stratosphere, where most meteors burn up.
– The Thermosphere is the outermost layer, where temperature rises sharply due to absorption of high-energy radiation, but it’s not the primary layer for absorbing harmful UV-B/C.
– The Troposphere is the lowest layer, where weather occurs, and it absorbs very little UV radiation.

The absorption of UV radiation by the ozone layer in the stratosphere is crucial for protecting life on Earth from the damaging effects of high-energy UV radiation, such as skin cancer and damage to plant life.

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