Earth Compared to Mars: Introduction
Mars is the most similar to earth planet ever discovered. It measures 4,222 miles which is approximately 6794 kilometers in diameter as compared to earth which measures 7926 miles which is approximately 12756 kilometers. In comparison this translates to about 53% of the earth size.
In terms of distance from the sun, the earth is located 93 million miles (150 million kilometers) away from the sun as compared to the mars which ranges from 128.43 million miles to 154.94 million miles from the sun. Britt (para.1) observes that this range is due to its non-circular orbit.
Earth is known to rotate on an axis tilted at 23.5 degrees as opposed to mars which tilted at 25 degrees. The earth’s revolution takes approximately 365 days while Mars takes 687 earth days or 670 mars days.
Difference Between Earth and Mars: Atmosphere
The stark differences in atmosphere between Earth and Mars reveal two vastly distinct worlds within our solar system. Mars, often called the “Red Planet,” possesses a very thin layer of air, primarily composed of carbon dioxide at an overwhelming 95.3%. Nitrogen constitutes a mere 3%, argon makes up 1.6%, and traces of oxygen amount to a mere 0.15%. This composition is strikingly different from Earth’s life-sustaining atmosphere, abundant in nitrogen and oxygen, nurturing a vast array of life forms.
The consequence of Mars’ sparse atmosphere is evident in its cold temperatures across most of its surface. With an average temperature of -81 degrees Fahrenheit (-63 degrees Celsius), it remains an icy and inhospitable world. The extreme temperature range oscillates between a maximum of 20 °C (68 °F) during the briefest moments and a bone-chilling minimum of -140 °C (-220 °F), a testament to the planet’s harsh conditions.
Mars’ weather is characterized by its notorious sandy dust storms, which often shroud the planet, obscuring its surface features, particularly as it approaches the sun during its revolution. These storms are a distinctive feature of the Martian climate, shaping the planet’s ever-changing landscape. The Coriolis Effect, caused by the planet’s rotation, deflects the winds, causing them to blow nearly parallel to the equator, further contributing to the unique weather patterns (Miles para. 4).
Another disparity lies in the density of the planets. Mars’ density, at 3.94 g/cm3, is a mere 1% of Earth’s density. This factor is critical in shaping both planets’ surface features and geological processes.
The planet’s poles also highlight another significant disparity between Earth and Mars. The northern pole of Mars is dominated by a vast ice cap primarily composed of water, ice, and snow. In contrast, the southern hemisphere harbors a much smaller cap, mainly of dry ice. This seasonal variation in ice buildup and recession adds to Mars’ climate and geology complexity.
Mars and Earth Comparison: Geology
When examining the geology of Mars and Earth, significant differences emerge, shedding light on the unique processes that have shaped each planet’s surface. Volcanic activity has left a mark on both Mars and Earth. On Earth, tectonic plate movements have formed volcanoes along plate boundaries, such as the Pacific Ring of Fire. These volcanoes are often characterized by explosive eruptions due to water in Earth’s crust.
Mars boasts three major shield-like volcanoes, all of which are now extinct. The largest among them is Olympus Mons, an awe-inspiring structure measuring 600 kilometers across its base and rising about 25 kilometers above the surrounding plain. With their long lava flows, these shield volcanoes owe their formation to Mars’ lower gravity and higher eruption rates than Earth. Such colossal volcanic features are absent on our planet.
Among the many geological wonders of Mars is Valles Marineris, an immense canyon system stretching about 5000 kilometers, with a width of 500 kilometers and depths reaching 6 kilometers. In contrast to Earth’s canyons formed primarily by erosion, Valles Marineris owes its genesis mainly to tectonic activity, revealing the planet’s distinct geological history.
One of the most significant geological differences between Mars and Earth lies in the presence of water. Earth is abundant in liquid water, covering approximately 71% of its surface in vast oceans and bodies of water. The interaction between water, weathering, and erosion has shaped Earth’s landscapes, creating valleys, canyons, and river systems. The presence of water on Mars has sparked speculation about the potential for life. While intelligent life is unlikely due to the planet’s harsh atmosphere, emerging evidence of water below the Martian surface offers hope for the existence of simple living organisms, such as sulfate-reducing bacteria.
The discovery of water ice inside a 35-kilometer-wide crater, with a depth of 2 kilometers, has further fueled curiosity about the possibility of life on Mars (Mars Express para. 6). However, it will be helpful to point out that as long as the search for liquid water remains elusive, building blocks necessary for life to exist will be impossible.
Mars vs Earth – Importance of Exploring Planets and Distant Systems
Exploration of these will provide humankind with an opportunity to test the possibility of life in other planets or outer space. There also exist compounds in other planets that could be useful to us. For example, carbon dioxide in mars might in future be used to fuel jet engines to other planets on their return trips.
Some planets are rich in various minerals that can be utilized for industrial; production and also research. Additionally, in order to understand the history of our planets origin, it is imperative to study the outer space.
Difference Between Earth and Mars: Conclusion
Finally, we can clearly state that Earth and Mars have significant discrepancies. Earth’s abundant atmosphere sustains diverse life forms, while Mars’ thin atmosphere creates an inhospitable environment. Earth’s magnitude and gravitational solid pull contrast with Mars’ more diminutive stature and weaker gravitational force. The presence of Earth’s Moon, shaped by its influence on our geology and tides, stands in contrast to Mars’ smaller, captured moons. Despite their disparities, the exploration of Mars has provided invaluable insights into our understanding of planetary science, igniting the quest for potential life beyond our home planet. Studying these contrasting worlds enriches our comprehension of the universe and our place within it.
🌎 10 Best Topics for Essay on Earth and Mars
- Earth’s Atmosphere vs. Martian Atmosphere: A Comparative Analysis
- Unveiling the Mysteries: Earth and Mars – How Far Have We Explored?
- The History of Mars Exploration: Lessons for Future Missions
- Martian Atmosphere Composition: Unraveling the Secrets of the Red Planet’s Air
- Colonizing Mars: Challenges and Opportunities for Human Settlement
- Earth’s Atmosphere vs. Martian Atmosphere: A Tale of Two Worlds
- Earth’s Vast Oceans vs. Mars’ Dry Deserts: Contrasting the Surface Features
- The Moons of Earth and Mars: A Comparative Study of Luna, Phobos and Deimos
- Terraforming Mars: Is It Possible to Make the Red Planet Habitable?
- Earth, Venus, and Mars: An In-depth Comparison of the Inner Planets
References
Britt, Robert Roy, “The two planets weigh in”, Earth vs. Mars, Aug 2003.
Mars express, “Ice-covered Martian North Pole”, Mar 2009
Miles, Kathy, “The Martian atmosphere”, 1995-2008.