AICE Environmental Management Practice Exam 2026 - Free Environmental Management Practice Questions and Study Guide

The stratosphere is the layer of the atmosphere that is directly above the troposphere. It extends from approximately 10-15 kilometers above the Earth's surface to about 50 kilometers. One of the key characteristics that define the stratosphere is the presence of the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation, playing a crucial role in protecting living organisms on Earth.

In contrast, the layers that follow, such as the mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere, each have distinct characteristics and are located much higher in altitude. The mesosphere lies above the stratosphere, but it does not come immediately after the troposphere. The thermosphere and exosphere are even higher up again. Understanding the order and properties of the atmospheric layers is vital in fields like environmental management, as it impacts weather patterns, climate, and the overall ecological balance.