Which of the following is not a characteristic of the stratosphere?

The stratosphere is characterized by relatively stable temperatures, which are generally stratified with increasing altitude. This means that, unlike some other atmospheric layers, the temperatures in the stratosphere tend to remain consistent and do not fluctuate widely, contributing to its stability. The presence of the ozone layer within this layer of the atmosphere significantly contributes to its temperature structure, as ozone absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun, leading to an increase in temperature as altitude increases.

Additionally, the stratosphere extends from the tropopause, which is the boundary between the troposphere and the stratosphere, up to the mesosphere. This layer is distinct in its physical and chemical properties, including the presence of the ozone layer, making it critical for filtering out harmful solar radiation.

The statement regarding the stratosphere being a very unstable layer is not accurate, as this layer is well-known for its stability. This distinction is crucial in understanding the dynamics and characteristics of the Earth's atmosphere.