What are the five principal layers of the atmosphere arranged from lowest to highest?

The five principal layers of the atmosphere, in order from lowest to highest, are the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere. The troposphere is the layer closest to the Earth's surface, where most weather occurs and where we live. Above the troposphere is the stratosphere, which contains the ozone layer that protects us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Following the stratosphere is the mesosphere, where temperatures begin to decrease with altitude, and this layer is where most meteors burn up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere. The thermosphere is next, characterized by significantly higher temperatures as it absorbs high-energy solar radiation, and it's also where the Northern and Southern Lights occur. Finally, the exosphere, which is the outermost layer, gradually fades into outer space.

The arrangement in option A correctly depicts the sequence of these atmospheric layers based on their altitude, clearly representing the transition from the most dense, weather-affected layer to the thinning outer layers of the atmosphere. Understanding this hierarchy is crucial for studying atmospheric science and climatology, as each layer plays distinct roles in Earth's weather and climate systems.