Final answer:
The atmosphere of Mars is much thinner than Earth's and contains a higher proportion of carbon dioxide. Mars has a very thin atmosphere with a surface pressure of less than 1% of Earth's, consisting mainly of carbon dioxide (95%), nitrogen (3%), and argon (2%).
Step-by-step explanation:
Compared with the Earth's atmosphere, the atmosphere of Mars is much thinner and has a greater percentage of carbon dioxide (CO2). Mars has an average surface pressure of only 0.007 bar, which is less than 1% of Earth's, indicating how thin the Martian atmosphere is. The Martian air is composed primarily of carbon dioxide (95%), with about 3% nitrogen and 2% argon.
These differences are significant when comparing the atmospheric compositions and surface conditions of Mars and Earth. While Earth's atmosphere is rich in nitrogen and oxygen, supporting a vast array of life and dynamic weather systems, Mars' thin atmosphere of mostly carbon dioxide results in a cold, dry environment with less geological activity today than in the past. Additionally, the Martian surface is sculpted by winds that can create planet-wide dust storms, despite the low atmospheric pressure.