Question

In which of the following layers of atmosphere, does the temperature decrease with the increase in height from the earth's surface?
(A). Troposphere
(B). Mesosphere
(C). Thermosphere
(D). Stratosphere
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• B. (A) and (B) only.
• C. (A) and (D) only
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

Remember the temperature trend in the atmospheric layers from the ground up: \textbf{Decreases (T), Increases (S), Decreases (M), Increases (T)}. The layers are \textbf{T}roposphere, \textbf{S}tratosphere, \textbf{M}esosphere, \textbf{T}hermosphere.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Conceptualization:
The query requires identification of Earth's atmospheric layers exhibiting a temperature decrease with altitude, a phenomenon termed a negative lapse rate.
Step 2: Layer-by-Layer Analysis:
Examination of temperature profiles from the surface upward:
- (A) Troposphere (0-12 km): Lowest layer; temperature decreases with altitude as air is heated from the ground by terrestrial radiation.
- (D) Stratosphere (12-50 km): Temperature increases with altitude due to ozone layer absorption of UV radiation.
- (B) Mesosphere (50-80 km): Temperature decreases with altitude, marking the coldest atmospheric layer.
- (C) Thermosphere (80+ km): Temperature increases significantly with altitude from absorption of high-energy solar radiation by sparse gas molecules.
Step 3: Conclusion:
Temperature reduction with increasing altitude occurs in the Troposphere (A) and Mesosphere (B). Thus, options (A) and (B) are correct.