Match the various layers of atmosphere with their approximate distance and choose the correct code given below :
(a) Troposphere – (i) 20 to 60 km
(b) Stratosphere – (ii) 60 to 120 km
(c) Mesosphere – (iii) 20 km from earth surface
(d) Thermosphere – (iv) 120 to 600 km

Question

Accepted Answer

To explain why Option 2 is the correct answer for matching the various layers of the atmosphere with their approximate distances, let's first understand the structure of the atmosphere and the typical distances associated with each layer:

1. **Troposphere**: This is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, where we live and where weather occurs. It extends from the Earth's surface up to about 8 to 15 kilometers (5 to 9 miles) depending on the latitude and weather conditions.

2. **Stratosphere**: Above the troposphere, the stratosphere extends from about 15 kilometers (9 miles) to approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) above the Earth's surface. This layer contains the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation.

3. **Mesosphere**: The mesosphere is located above the stratosphere, extending from about 50 kilometers (31 miles) to 85 kilometers (53 miles) above the Earth. It is the layer where most meteors burn up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere.

4. **Thermosphere**: This layer extends from about 85 kilometers (53 miles) to 600 kilometers (373 miles) above the Earth. It is characterized by a significant increase in temperature with height and is where the auroras occur.

Now, let's match these layers with the given options:

- (a) Troposphere - iii (8 to 15 km)
- (b) Stratosphere - i (15 to 50 km)
- (c) Mesosphere - ii (50 to 85 km)
- (d) Thermosphere - iv (85 to 600 km)

Option 2 correctly matches these layers with their respective distances:

- (a)-iii: Troposphere is correctly matched with 8 to 15 km.
- (b)-i: Stratosphere is correctly matched with 15 to 50 km.
- (c)-ii: Mesosphere is correctly matched with 50 to 85 km.
- (d)-iv: Thermosphere is correctly matched with 85 to 600 km.

**Why the other options are incorrect:**

1. **Option 1**: This option incorrectly matches the layers:
   - (b)-ii: Stratosphere is incorrectly matched with 50 to 85 km.
   - (c)-i: Mesosphere is incorrectly matched with 15 to 50 km.

3. **Option 3**: This option incorrectly matches the layers:
   - (a)-iv: Troposphere is incorrectly matched with 85 to 600 km.
   - (d)-iii: Thermosphere is incorrectly matched with 8 to 15 km.

4. **Option 4**: This option incorrectly matches the layers:
   - (a)-i: Troposphere is incorrectly matched with 15 to 50 km.
   - (c)-iii: Mesosphere is incorrectly matched with 8 to 15 km.

Therefore, Option 2 is the only option that correctly matches each atmospheric layer with its approximate distance, making it the correct answer.