Which of the following best explains why Mars' and Venus' surface temperatures vary, despite both planets having atmospheres that contain mostly carbon dioxide? Responses Venus has a thick atmosphere which blocks heat from the surface. Venus has a thick atmosphere which blocks heat from the surface. - no response given Mars has a surface of red rocks and sand which reflect heat. Mars has a surface of red rocks and sand which reflect heat. - no response given Venus has a surface of high mountains which absorb heat. Venus has a surface of high mountains which absorb heat. - no response given Mars has a thin atmosphere that cannot hold much heat.

Mars has a thin atmosphere that cannot hold much heat.

The best explanation for why Mars' and Venus' surface temperatures vary, despite both planets having atmospheres that contain mostly carbon dioxide, is that Venus has a thick atmosphere which blocks heat from the surface. This leads to extremely high temperatures on Venus, creating a runaway greenhouse effect. On the other hand, Mars has a thin atmosphere that cannot hold much heat, resulting in much colder temperatures on the planet's surface.