What is the lowest layer of the atmosphere where weather occurs?

The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere where weather phenomena such as clouds, rain, and storms take place. This layer extends from the Earth's surface up to about 8 to 15 kilometers (5 to 9 miles) high, depending on geographical location and weather conditions.

In the troposphere, temperature decreases with altitude, leading to the formation of various weather patterns due to the presence of water vapor and rising air currents. This is where the majority of the mass of the atmosphere is located and where most of the atmospheric "weather" occurs, influenced by the dynamics of air movement, humidity, and temperature variations.

Higher layers of the atmosphere, such as the stratosphere, mesosphere, and exosphere, do not experience the same dynamic weather patterns. The stratosphere, while important for ozone capture, is relatively stable and lacks the turbulence that is characteristic of the troposphere. The mesosphere is even higher and is primarily known for its role in burning up meteoroids, and the exosphere is the outermost layer where atmospheric particles are extremely sparse. These layers do not contribute to the weather as we commonly experience it on Earth’s surface.