Question

A _____________ is the second layer of the atmosphere that reaches $48km$ above the earth’s surface.

Answer 1

In our atmosphere there are several layers of atmosphere such as the Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, Ionosphere and Exosphere. These layers are based on temperature.

Complete answer:
Let's discuss these layers one by one.
1. Troposphere: The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere starting at the surface going up to $7km$ at the poles and $17km$ at the equator with some variation due to weather factors. The troposphere has a great deal of vertical mixing due to solar heating at the surface. This process continues until all water vapor is removed. In the troposphere decrease with height due to cooling
2. Stratosphere: From $7 - 17km$ range to about $48km$ , stratosphere temperature increases with increasing height. This is a stable layer with a little mixing. As a result pollutants and other particles may reside in the stratosphere for many years.
3. Mesosphere: From about $48km$ to the range of $80km$ to $85km$ , temperature decreases with increase in height.
4. Thermosphere: From $80 - 85km$ to $640km$ , temperature increase with increase in height.
5. Exosphere: From $640km$ range to about up to $10,000km$, free moving particles that may migrate into and out to the magnetosphere or the solar wind. The exosphere is mainly composed of extremely low densities of hydrogen, helium, and several heavier molecules including oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide closer to the exobase.

Thus, the stratosphere is the second layer of the atmosphere that reaches $48km$ above the earth’s surface.

Note:
The stratosphere accounts for approximately $24\%$ of the atmosphere. The stratosphere contains approximately $19\%$ of the total atmospheric gases. The aeroplane and aircraft fly in the stratosphere. $90\%$ of the ozone layer is found in the stratosphere’s upper crust. Ozone plays a vital role in the atmosphere. It absorbs the ultraviolet rays which come from the sun and protect us from its harmful effects such as skin diseases, melanoma (a type of cancer) and bronchitis.