The two layers of Earth's atmosphere that have temperature gradients that allow convection to occur are
A) the troposphere and the thermosphere.
B) the mesosphere and the stratosphere.
C) the thermosphere and the stratosphere.
D) the troposphere and the mesosphere.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Convection occurs when there is a temperature gradient where the warmer material rises and the cooler material sinks. The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere where we live and where weather occurs. It has a temperature gradient that allows for convection to occur, with warmer air rising and cooler air sinking to create vertical air movements such as thunderstorms. The mesosphere is the third layer of the atmosphere with decreasing temperatures with height, which also allows for convection to occur. The other layers, including the thermosphere and the stratosphere, do not have temperature gradients that support convection. Therefore, the correct answer is D, the troposphere and the mesosphere.

The Two Layers of Earth's Atmosphere That Have Temperature Gradients