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. Mars has a thin atmosphere that cannot hold much heat. Mars has a thin atmosphere that cannot hold much heat. Venus has a thick atmosphere which blocks heat from the surface. Venus has a thick atmosphere which blocks heat from the surface. Venus has a surface of high mountains which absorb heat. Venus has a surface of high mountains which absorb heat.

Answer 1

The best response that explains why Mars' and Venus' surface temperatures vary, despite both having atmospheres that contain mostly carbon dioxide, is: **"Mars has a thin atmosphere that cannot hold much heat."**

Although both planets have CO2-rich atmospheres, Venus has a much thicker atmosphere, which creates a strong greenhouse effect, trapping heat and leading to extremely high surface temperatures. In contrast, Mars' thin atmosphere does not retain heat effectively, resulting in much colder surface temperatures.