Which layer of the atmosphere extends from about 30 to 50 miles?

The correct layer of the atmosphere that extends from about 30 to 50 miles above the Earth's surface is the Mesosphere. This layer is located above the Stratosphere, which typically extends from about 10 to 30 miles, and below the Thermosphere, which starts at approximately 50 miles and goes much higher.

In the Mesosphere, temperatures decrease with altitude, and it is where most meteorites burn up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere. This characteristic of the Mesosphere, along with its altitude range, distinguishes it clearly from the other layers such as the Troposphere, which is the lowest layer where we experience weather phenomena. The Thermosphere, on the other hand, is characterized by a significant increase in temperature with altitude but starts at a higher altitude than the range specified in the question.

Understanding the specific altitudes and the characteristics of each atmospheric layer is crucial for fields such as meteorology, aviation, and environmental science.