NCERT Class 6 Geography — Chapter 2: Major Domains of the Earth

mcqeasy

Which one of the following layers of the atmosphere is the topmost layer?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AMesosphere
BExosphere
CStratosphere
DThermosphere

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

Exosphere

Explanation

The Earth's atmosphere is divided into five distinct layers based on temperature changes and composition. These layers extend outward from the Earth's surface into space.

Vertical Structure of the Atmosphere:

Troposphere: The lowest layer, extending up to approximately 13 km (varies at poles and equator). It contains the air we breathe and is where almost all weather phenomena occur.
Stratosphere: Located above the troposphere, extending up to 50 km. It contains the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Mesosphere: Extends up to 80 km. It is the coldest layer of the atmosphere, where meteors typically burn up upon entry.
Thermosphere: Extends from 80 km to 400 km. In this layer, temperature rises rapidly with height. It contains the ionosphere, which facilitates radio communication.
Exosphere: The topmost layer of the atmosphere. It extends from the top of the thermosphere and gradually merges with interplanetary space. The air here is extremely thin, consisting mostly of helium and hydrogen.

Key Takeaway: The Exosphere is the outermost layer of the Earth's atmosphere, representing the transition zone into outer space.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Major Domains of the Earth

Consider the following statements regarding the continents of the world: 1. Asia is the largest continent and covers about one-third of the total land area of the earth. 2. The Equator passes through the center of the Asian continent. 3. Asia is separated from Europe by the Andes Mountains on the west. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the Lithosphere, consider the following statements: 1. It comprises the rocks of the earth’s crust and the thin layers of soil. 2. The elevation of land is measured from the ocean floor. 3. The level of seawater remains the same everywhere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which one of the following terms describes the narrow zone where land, water, and air are found together and which contains all forms of life?

easy

Consider the following pairs regarding the shapes of major oceans: Ocean | Shape/Characteristic 1. Pacific Ocean | Almost circular 2. Atlantic Ocean | 'S' shaped 3. Indian Ocean | Almost triangular 4. Arctic Ocean | Highly indented coastline How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

medium

Which of the following continents is the only one through which the Tropic of Cancer, the Equator, and the Tropic of Capricorn pass?

easy

Keep practising Chapter 2: Major Domains of the Earth

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The correct option is

Exosphere

Explanation

The Earth's atmosphere is divided into five distinct layers based on temperature changes and composition. These layers extend outward from the Earth's surface into space.

Vertical Structure of the Atmosphere:

Troposphere: The lowest layer, extending up to approximately 13 km (varies at poles and equator). It contains the air we breathe and is where almost all weather phenomena occur.
Stratosphere: Located above the troposphere, extending up to 50 km. It contains the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Mesosphere: Extends up to 80 km. It is the coldest layer of the atmosphere, where meteors typically burn up upon entry.
Thermosphere: Extends from 80 km to 400 km. In this layer, temperature rises rapidly with height. It contains the ionosphere, which facilitates radio communication.
Exosphere: The topmost layer of the atmosphere. It extends from the top of the thermosphere and gradually merges with interplanetary space. The air here is extremely thin, consisting mostly of helium and hydrogen.

Key Takeaway: The Exosphere is the outermost layer of the Earth's atmosphere, representing the transition zone into outer space.