Question

louise described two layers of earths atmosphere:
layer a: contains the ozone layer which absorbs harmful radiation
layer b: water cycle causes wind in this layer
which statement is most likely true?
layer a is the exosphere, and layer b is the thermosphere.
layer a is the thermosphere, and layer b is the exosphere.
layer a is the stratosphere, and layer b is the troposphere.
layer a is the troposphere, and layer b is the stratosphere.

Explanation:

1. Recall the characteristics of Earth's atmospheric layers:

• The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation (matches Layer A's description).
• The troposphere is where the water cycle (including processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation) occurs, and wind is also generated here due to temperature and pressure differences related to the water cycle (matches Layer B's description).
• The exosphere and thermosphere do not have the ozone layer in the exosphere, and the thermosphere is not associated with the water cycle causing wind. The troposphere does not have the ozone layer, and the stratosphere is not where the water cycle causes wind in the same way as the troposphere.

1. Analyze each option:

• Option 1: Exosphere has no ozone layer, thermosphere not related to water - cycle - caused wind. Eliminate.
• Option 2: Thermosphere has no ozone layer, exosphere not related to water - cycle - caused wind. Eliminate.
• Option 3: Stratosphere has ozone layer (matches Layer A), troposphere has water cycle - related wind (matches Layer B). This is correct.
• Option 4: Troposphere has no ozone layer, stratosphere not related to water - cycle - caused wind. Eliminate.

Answer:

C. Layer A is the stratosphere, and Layer B is the troposphere.