The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere and plays a crucial role in shielding the Earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.

Stratosphere
The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere, which is the second layer of the Earth's atmosphere above the troposphere. Here's a detailed explanation of why the ozone layer is found in the stratosphere:

1. Ozone Formation:
- Ozone (O3) is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms.
- In the stratosphere, high-energy ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun breaks apart oxygen molecules (O2) into individual oxygen atoms.
- These individual oxygen atoms then combine with oxygen molecules to form ozone.

2. Ozone Layer Function:
- The ozone layer plays a crucial role in absorbing and filtering out harmful UV radiation from the sun.
- It prevents most of the UV-B and all of the UV-C radiation from reaching the Earth's surface, protecting living organisms from the harmful effects of these rays.

3. Stratospheric Characteristics:
- The stratosphere is characterized by a temperature inversion, meaning that the temperature increases with altitude.
- This stable temperature profile allows for the formation and maintenance of the ozone layer.

4. Importance of the Ozone Layer:
- The ozone layer is essential for the survival of life on Earth as it shields us from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
- Human activities, such as the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), have led to ozone depletion, resulting in an increased risk of skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues.
In conclusion, the stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which plays a vital role in protecting our planet from the harmful effects of UV radiation.