The presence of liquid water on Earth's surface is ________.
A)not surprising because most other bodies in the Solar System have liquid water
B)not surprising because all planets in the Solar System have liquid water
C)unique in the Solar System but an inherent feature of Earth that would be found regardless of the Earth-Sun distance
D)unique in the Solar System;liquid water would not have developed had Earth been much closer to or much farther from the Sun

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Liquid water on Earth's surface is unique in the Solar System and is a result of a delicate balance of factors like the Earth-Sun distance, atmospheric composition and other planetary characteristics. If Earth were closer to the Sun, water would evaporate leading to a runaway greenhouse effect. If further away, water would freeze leading to a permanent ice age. Therefore, liquid water on Earth's surface is a rare and delicate phenomenon.

The Presence of Liquid Water on Earth's Surface Is ________