ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)Paragraph Comprehension (PC)Hard
Read the following passage: "The Earth's atmosphere is divided into several layers, each with distinct characteristics. The troposphere is the lowest layer, extending from the surface up to about 12 kilometers, and it's where all weather phenomena occur. Above it lies the stratosphere, home to the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The mesosphere is next, where most meteors burn up upon entry. Beyond that is the thermosphere, characterized by extremely high temperatures due to solar radiation, though its air is so thin that it would feel very cold. Finally, the exosphere is the outermost layer, gradually fading into outer space." In which atmospheric layer would one most likely observe a meteor burning up?
- AMesosphere
- BThermosphere
- CStratosphere
- DTroposphere
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Mesosphere
The passage explicitly states: 'The mesosphere is next, where most meteors burn up upon entry.' This directly answers the question.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The thermosphere is known for high temperatures and thin air, but the passage attributes meteor burning to the mesosphere.
- C. The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, not where meteors typically burn up.
- D. The troposphere is where weather occurs, not meteor burn-up.
Mesosphere
The third layer of Earth's atmosphere, above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere.
- Extends from ~50 km to 85 km.
- Temperature decreases with altitude.
- Where most meteors burn up.
Memory trick: Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, Exosphere: Tall Students Make Terrific Explorers.