Which of the following best explains why Mars and Venus' surface temperatures vary, despite both planets having atmospheres that contain mostly carbon dioxide? (1 point)

Question

• Mars has a thin atmosphere that cannot hold much heat.
( Mars has a surface of red rocks and sand which reflect heat.
© Venus has a thick atmosphere which blocks heat from the surface.
• Venus has a surface of high mountains which absorb heat.

Answer 1

The best explanation for why Mars and Venus' surface temperatures vary, despite both planets having atmospheres that contain mostly carbon dioxide, is:

• Mars has a thin atmosphere that cannot hold much heat.

This is because Mars' atmosphere is not dense enough to retain heat effectively, leading to much colder surface temperatures compared to Venus, which has a thick atmosphere that can trap heat through a strong greenhouse effect.