Which layer of the atmosphere extends from approximately 15 to 50 km above the Earth's surface?

The correct answer is the stratosphere, which extends from approximately 15 to 50 km above the Earth's surface. This layer sits above the troposphere and is characterized by a gradual increase in temperature with altitude, primarily due to the presence of the ozone layer within it. The ozone absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation, which contributes to the warming of the stratosphere. The boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere is known as the tropopause, while the beginning of the next layer, the mesosphere, marks the top of the stratosphere at around 50 km. This distinct layering and temperature gradient are key features that differentiate the stratosphere from adjacent atmospheric layers.