In which atmospheric layer is the ozone layer primarily located?

The ozone layer is primarily located in the stratosphere, which is the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere, situated above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. This layer contains a high concentration of ozone (O₃) molecules, which are essential for absorbing the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The presence of the ozone layer plays a critical role in protecting living organisms on Earth from the deleterious effects of UV exposure, such as skin cancer and cataracts, as well as contributing to the overall stability of the climate.

Understanding the specific functions and characteristics of the stratosphere helps to clarify why it is the correct response. In contrast, the troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere where most weather events occur and contains the majority of atmospheric mass, while the mesosphere lies above the stratosphere, characterized by decreasing temperatures with altitude and less ozone. The thermosphere, which is the highest layer, hosts ionized gases and experiences extreme temperatures, but it does not contain a significant amount of ozone.