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Since Mars has an atmosphere and it is composed mostly of a greenhouse gas, why isn't there a significant greenhouse effect to warm its surface?

Since Mars has an atmosphere and it is composed mostly of a greenhouse gas, why isn't there a significant greenhouse effect to warm its surface?

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**Mars and the Greenhouse Effect** **Question:** Since Mars has an atmosphere and it is composed mostly of a greenhouse gas, why isn’t there a significant greenhouse effect to warm its surface? **Explanation:** Mars has a thin atmosphere primarily composed of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a greenhouse gas. However, the atmospheric pressure on Mars is only about 1% of Earth's, resulting in a lack of sufficient atmospheric mass and density to trap a significant amount of heat. Consequently, the greenhouse effect on Mars is weak, and its surface remains cold. Additionally, Mars' greater distance from the Sun means it receives less solar energy compared to Earth, further contributing to its lower surface temperatures.
Transcribed Image Text:**Mars and the Greenhouse Effect** **Question:** Since Mars has an atmosphere and it is composed mostly of a greenhouse gas, why isn’t there a significant greenhouse effect to warm its surface? **Explanation:** Mars has a thin atmosphere primarily composed of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a greenhouse gas. However, the atmospheric pressure on Mars is only about 1% of Earth's, resulting in a lack of sufficient atmospheric mass and density to trap a significant amount of heat. Consequently, the greenhouse effect on Mars is weak, and its surface remains cold. Additionally, Mars' greater distance from the Sun means it receives less solar energy compared to Earth, further contributing to its lower surface temperatures.
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