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

Responses

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

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 surface of high mountains which absorb heat.
Venus has a surface of high mountains which absorb heat.

Venus has a thick atmosphere which blocks heat from the surface

Answer 1

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

Venus has a thick atmosphere which blocks heat from the surface.

Venus' dense atmosphere creates a strong greenhouse effect, trapping heat and resulting in extremely high surface temperatures. In contrast, Mars has a much thinner atmosphere that cannot retain heat effectively, leading to much colder surface temperatures.