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 surface of high mountains which absorb heat.
Venus has a surface of high mountains which absorb 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.
The correct answer is:
Venus has a thick atmosphere which blocks heat from the surface.
Venus has a thick atmosphere composed mostly of carbon dioxide, which creates a greenhouse effect. This means that the atmosphere traps heat near the surface, causing the overall temperature on Venus to be extremely high. On the other hand, Mars has a thin atmosphere that cannot hold as much heat, leading to lower surface temperatures.