What atmospheric layer contains weather phenomena such as clouds and precipitation?

The troposphere is the atmospheric layer that contains the majority of Earth's weather phenomena, including clouds and precipitation. This layer extends from the surface of the Earth up to about 8 to 15 kilometers (5 to 9 miles) high, depending on the location and the season.

In the troposphere, the temperature generally decreases with altitude, and it is where most of the atmospheric water vapor resides, facilitating the formation of clouds and other weather-related events like rain and snow. This layer is intimately connected to the Earth's surface, where temperature changes, moisture levels, and other factors can significantly influence weather patterns.

Other layers, like the stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere, do not experience the same weather phenomena. The stratosphere, located above the troposphere, is characterized by a temperature inversion and is where the ozone layer resides, playing a critical role in absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation but lacking significant weather activity. The mesosphere and thermosphere, being higher up in the atmosphere, also do not support cloud formation or precipitation as they have significantly lower densities and temperatures. Therefore, the correct choice is the troposphere, as it is the layer where most weather occurs.