What atmospheric layer is positioned above the troposphere?

The atmospheric layer positioned above the troposphere is the stratosphere. This layer extends from the top of the troposphere at about 8 to 15 kilometers (5 to 9 miles) above the Earth's surface, depending on the latitude and weather conditions. The stratosphere is characterized by a temperature increase with altitude due to the presence of the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation. This warming effect helps to stabilize the stratosphere, preventing significant vertical mixing and weather phenomena, which are primarily associated with the troposphere. The stratosphere plays a crucial role in the Earth's atmosphere, influencing both climate and weather patterns.

The other layers mentioned, such as the mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere, are located above the stratosphere, but they do not come directly after the troposphere, which is why they do not serve as the correct answer in this context.