Which statement accurately describes the atmospheres of the inner planets?

Mars has no atmosphere.
Mercury has a thick atmosphere.
The atmospheres of Mars and Venus are similar in composition.
The atmospheres of Earth and Venus are similar in composition.

1 answer

The statement that accurately describes the atmospheres of the inner planets is: The atmospheres of Earth and Venus are similar in composition.

To elaborate:

  • Mercury has a thick atmosphere. (This is false; Mercury has a very thin atmosphere.)
  • Mars has no atmosphere. (This is also false; Mars does have an atmosphere, but it is thin compared to Earth's.)
  • The atmospheres of Mars and Venus are similar in composition. (This is false; Mars has a thin atmosphere primarily composed of carbon dioxide, while Venus has a thick atmosphere also rich in carbon dioxide but with significant sulfuric acid clouds and a much higher pressure.)

Therefore, the most accurate statement is regarding the atmospheric similarities between Earth and Venus, specifically in terms of being dominated by carbon dioxide, although Venus's atmosphere is much thicker and has different conditions.