At what altitude do ultraviolet waves of higher frequencies produce ionized layers?

Ultraviolet waves, especially those of higher frequencies, are capable of ionizing atoms and molecules in the atmosphere. This ionization phenomenon predominantly occurs in specific layers of the atmosphere.

At lower altitudes, particularly in the stratosphere and mesosphere, the density of the atmosphere decreases, allowing ultraviolet radiation to penetrate more effectively. This is where the ionization of gas particles occurs, leading to the formation of ionized layers, such as the D and E layers of the ionosphere. These layers are critical for radio wave propagation and are formed as a direct consequence of high-frequency ultraviolet radiation interacting with atmospheric constituents.

This understanding illustrates why the answer points to lower altitudes as the location where these ionized layers are primarily produced. As altitude increases, the atmosphere becomes less dense, which in turn affects the ability of UV radiation to ionize particles efficiently in those regions.