American Meteorological Society Certification (AMS) Practice 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The layer of the atmosphere directly above the stratosphere is the mesosphere. This region extends from about 50 kilometers (31 miles) above the Earth's surface to approximately 85 kilometers (53 miles) high. The mesosphere is characterized by decreasing temperatures with altitude, which is notable because it contrasts with the stratosphere beneath it, where temperatures generally increase due to ozone absorption of ultraviolet radiation.

In the mesosphere, the air is much thinner than in the stratosphere, and it is also where most meteors enter and burn up due to friction with the atmosphere. This layer plays a role in various atmospheric processes and is essential for understanding atmospheric science and meteorology.

By focusing on the properties and significance of the mesosphere, it becomes clear why this option is the correct one when identifying the layer positioned directly above the stratosphere.