The correct option is Mesosphere - Layer between Stratosphere and Thermosphere
Explanation
The Earth's atmosphere is divided into five distinct concentric layers based on temperature gradients and composition. From the Earth's surface upwards, the sequence is Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, and Exosphere.- Option (a) is Incorrect: The Troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere, extending from the Earth's surface up to an average height of 13 km. It is the layer where almost all weather phenomena occur. The topmost layer is the Exosphere.
- Option (b) is Incorrect: The Exosphere is the outermost layer of the atmosphere, extending from the top of the Thermosphere and gradually merging into interplanetary space. The layer nearest to the surface is the Troposphere.
- Option (c) is Correct: The Mesosphere is the third layer of the atmosphere. It is situated directly above the Stratosphere and below the Thermosphere, extending up to a height of approximately 80 km.
- Option (d) is Incorrect: The layer immediately above the Troposphere is the Stratosphere. The Thermosphere lies above the Mesosphere.
Key Takeaway: The correct vertical order of atmospheric layers from the surface is: Troposphere → Stratosphere → Mesosphere → Thermosphere → Exosphere.