20100523

Astronomy quiz question: Venus' oceans?

Astronomy 210 Quiz 7, Spring Semester 2010
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Where might the liquid water from the early oceans of Venus be today?
(A) Escaped into space.
(B) Trapped in sediments in the crust.
(C) Frozen underground.
(D) Completely evaporated.

Correct answer: (D)

Due to its proximity to the sun, Venus' thick atmosphere and strong greenhouse effect makes it much too warm for oceans to exist in liquid form.

Section 30674
(A) : 7 students
(B) : 4 students
(C) : 2 students
(D) : 28 students

"Success level": 70% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.73

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