Match List I with List II and select correct answer using the codes given below:
List I (Sphere) - List II (Phenomenon)
A. Ionosphere - (i) Contains ozone
B. Stratosphere - (ii) Radiowaves reflects
C. Troposphere - (iii) Normal lapse rate
D. Mesosphere - (iv) Noctiluscent clouds
Codes :

Question

Match List I with List II and select correct answer using the codes given below: 
List I (Sphere) - List II (Phenomenon) 
A. Ionosphere - (i) Contains ozone
B. Stratosphere - (ii) Radiowaves reflects
C. Troposphere - (iii) Normal lapse rate
D. Mesosphere - (iv) Noctiluscent clouds
Codes :

Accepted Answer

Here's a detailed explanation justifying why Option 2 is the correct answer and why the other options are incorrect:

**Justification for Option 2: A-(ii), B-(i), C-(iii), D-(iv)**

*   **A. Ionosphere - (ii) Radiowaves reflects:** The ionosphere is a layer of Earth's atmosphere containing a high concentration of ions and free electrons. This ionization is caused by solar radiation. These charged particles reflect radio waves, making long-distance radio communication possible. Therefore, A-(ii) is a correct match.

*   **B. Stratosphere - (i) Contains ozone:** The stratosphere is the layer of the atmosphere above the troposphere. It contains the ozone layer, which absorbs a significant portion of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This absorption warms the stratosphere and is crucial for life on Earth. Therefore, B-(i) is a correct match.

*   **C. Troposphere - (iii) Normal lapse rate:** The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, where most weather phenomena occur. The normal lapse rate refers to the decrease in temperature with increasing altitude in the troposphere. This is due to the decreasing pressure and the fact that the troposphere is primarily heated from the ground up. Therefore, C-(iii) is a correct match.

*   **D. Mesosphere - (iv) Noctiluscent clouds:** The mesosphere is the layer of the atmosphere above the stratosphere. Noctilucent clouds, also known as polar mesospheric clouds, are the highest clouds in Earth's atmosphere, located in the mesosphere. They are visible at twilight when the sun is below the horizon, and they are illuminated by sunlight. Therefore, D-(iv) is a correct match.

**Why other options are incorrect:**

*   **Option 1: A-(i), B-(ii), C-(iii), D-(iv):** This option is incorrect because it incorrectly matches the Ionosphere with containing ozone. Ozone is primarily found in the Stratosphere, not the Ionosphere.

*   **Option 3: A-(iv), B-(iii), C-(ii), D-(i):** This option is incorrect because it incorrectly matches the Ionosphere with Noctiluscent clouds, the Stratosphere with the normal lapse rate, the Troposphere with reflecting radiowaves, and the Mesosphere with containing ozone.

*   **Option 4: A-(iii), B-(iv), C-(ii), D-(i):** This option is incorrect because it incorrectly matches the Ionosphere with the normal lapse rate, the Stratosphere with Noctiluscent clouds, the Troposphere with reflecting radiowaves, and the Mesosphere with containing ozone.