Which atmospheric layer has a temperature that rises with height, largely due to the ozone layer absorbing UV radiation?

• A. Troposphere
• B. Mesosphere
• C. Stratosphere
• D. Thermosphere

Answer: (C)

The warming with height comes from the stratosphere. In this layer, the ozone layer absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, and that energy heats the surrounding air. As you go higher within the stratosphere, the temperature actually increases, creating a temperature rise with altitude. In contrast, the troposphere gets cooler with height, the mesosphere also cools with height, and the thermosphere heats mainly from direct solar energy absorption by individual particles rather than ozone, so the ozone-driven warming specifically points to the stratosphere.