What is a significant feature of the stratosphere?

The stratosphere is characterized by the presence of the ozone layer, which is a crucial component of this atmospheric layer. The ozone layer absorbs the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, protecting living organisms on Earth from the damaging effects of UV rays. This layer is situated about 10 to 30 miles above the Earth's surface and is significant because it plays a vital role in maintaining the temperature structure of the atmosphere and shielding the planet from excessive solar radiation.

Unlike the troposphere, where weather events and patterns predominantly occur due to the presence of moisture and turbulence, the stratosphere is relatively stable and lacks the turbulence associated with weather systems. Thus, while weather patterns and events are features of the atmosphere, they are not a significant characteristic of the stratosphere itself. Human activities also have minimal direct effects on the stratosphere compared to lower atmospheric layers. Therefore, the defining aspect of the stratosphere is indeed the presence of the ozone layer.