Question

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)
Responses

Mars has a surface of red rocks and sand which reflect 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 thick atmosphere which blocks heat from the surface.

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

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.**

Venus has a very thick atmosphere that creates a strong greenhouse effect, trapping heat and leading to extremely high surface temperatures. In contrast, Mars' thin atmosphere is less effective at retaining heat, leading to much colder surface temperatures.