Question

In two paragraphs, compare and contrast the atmospheres of the inner planets. Explain the important conditions leading to the differences of these atmospheres.

Keep in brief and short. Thank you.

Answer 1

Mercury

It has little atmosphere compared to other planets. A small amount of helium has been detected 1,000 kilometers above the surface, probably this is the consequence of the solar wind and the radioactive decay of Mercury's crust. Sodium, potassium and mercury have also been detected in Mercury's weak atmosphere. El planeta no tiene suficiente atmósfera como para moderar el rango de temperaturas de su superficie, la temperatura en su superficie oscila entre -300 a 800 0F.

Venus
The atmosphere of Venus is very hot and dense, it is mainly composed of Carbon Dioxide, and thick clouds of sulfuric acid that completely cover the planet. The air above the surface is 90 times heavier than Earth's atmosphere. The atmosphere is mainly composed of Carbon Dioxide (96%), 3.5% nitrogen, and less than 1% is made of carbon monoxide, argon, sulfur dioxide and water vapor.

Earth
The atmosphere is a mixture of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), and other gases (1%) that surrounds the Earth. The atmosphere becomes thinner until it gradually reaches space. The atmosphere blocks and prevents some of the Sun's dangerous rays from reaching Earth. Traps heat, making Earth a pleasant temperature. And the oxygen within our atmosphere is essential for life.

Mars

Mars' atmosphere is much thinner than Earth's, with an average surface pressure of 1/100 of Earth's surface pressure. The atmosphere is mainly composed of carbon dioxide (95.3%), nitrogen (2.7%), and argon (1.6%), and small amounts of other gases. Oxygen, which is so important to us on Earth, represents 0.13% of Mars' atmosphere.