Which atmospheric layer is located above the stratosphere?

The atmospheric layer located above the stratosphere is the mesosphere. In the Earth's atmosphere, the layers are arranged in a specific order based on altitude. Starting from the surface, we have the troposphere, which is where weather occurs and where we live. Above the troposphere is the stratosphere, which contains the ozone layer that protects us from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Above the stratosphere lies the mesosphere, where temperatures begin to decrease with increasing altitude. This layer is known for phenomena such as meteors burning up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere. The mesosphere extends from about 50 to 85 kilometers (31 to 53 miles) above the Earth's surface.

The other options refer to different aspects of the atmosphere or to different layers. The thermosphere, for example, is above the mesosphere and contains the ionosphere, where auroras occur and where the space shuttle operates. The ozone layer is actually part of the stratosphere, serving a critical role in absorbing UV radiation. Therefore, understanding the structure and characteristics of these atmospheric layers clarifies why mesosphere is the correct answer for the layer located above the stratosphere.