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)
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Venus has a thick atmosphere which blocks heat from the surface.
• Mars has a surface of red rocks and sand which reflect heat.
O Venus has a surface of high mountains which absorb heat.
• Mars has a thin atmosphere that cannot hold much heat.
Venus has a thick atmosphere which blocks heat from the surface.
The best explanation for the variation in surface temperatures between Mars and Venus is that Venus has a thick atmosphere that blocks heat from the surface, while Mars has a thin atmosphere that cannot hold much heat.
The best explanation for the temperature variation between Mars and Venus lies in their different atmospheric conditions. To understand this, we need to look at both options individually and assess their accuracy.
The option stating that Venus has a thick atmosphere that blocks heat from the surface is accurate. Venus has an extremely dense atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide, which creates a greenhouse effect. This means that sunlight passes through the atmosphere and warms the planet's surface, but the heat radiated from the surface is trapped due to the dense atmospheric gases, resulting in very high temperatures on Venus.
On the other hand, the option stating that Mars has a thin atmosphere that cannot hold much heat is also accurate. Mars has a much thinner atmosphere compared to Venus, and its atmosphere is primarily composed of carbon dioxide as well. Due to the thin atmosphere, Mars is unable to effectively trap and retain heat, resulting in a significantly colder climate than Venus.
Therefore, the correct answer is: Venus has a thick atmosphere which blocks heat from the surface, and Mars has a thin atmosphere that cannot hold much heat.