Question

writing a scientific argument
write a scientific argument to dr. jackie lewis below. as you write, remember to:

• include your strongest, most convincing evidence.
• use the scientific argument sentence starters and the word bank below to explain your thinking.

what rock transformation processes are happening on venus?

• claim 1: venuss rock transformation processes form mostly sedimentary rock.
• claim 2: venuss rock transformation processes form mostly igneous rock.

scientific argument sentence starters
describing evidence:
the evidence that supports my
claim is...
my first piece of evidence is...
another piece of evidence is...
this evidence shows that...
describing how the evidence
supports the claim:
if _____, then...
this is important because...
since _____,...
based on the evidence, i conclude
that...
this claim is stronger because...

Explanation:

To answer this, we analyze Venus's geological context. Venus has volcanic activity (like numerous volcanoes, lava plains). Igneous rock forms from cooled magma/lava. Sedimentary rock needs water erosion, deposition—Venus has no liquid water (surface temp ~462°C, pressure 92x Earth’s), so sedimentary processes (weathering, transport, deposition) are unlikely.

Scientific Argument to Dr. Jackie Lewis:

The claim that Venus’s rock transformation processes form mostly igneous rock (Claim 2) is stronger. The evidence that supports my claim is Venus’s geological features: it has over 1,600 major volcanoes (like Maat Mons) and vast lava plains (e.g., Lavinia Planitia). Since igneous rock forms when magma or lava cools and solidifies, and Venus’s surface is dominated by volcanic activity (erupting lava), this evidence shows that most rock formation on Venus involves cooling of volcanic materials. In contrast, sedimentary rock requires processes like weathering (breaking rocks), erosion (transporting sediments), and deposition (layering sediments), which need liquid water. Venus’s surface temperature (≈462°C) and pressure (92 times Earth’s) prevent liquid water, so sedimentary processes cannot occur. Based on the evidence, I conclude that Venus’s rock transformation processes form mostly igneous rock because volcanic activity drives rock formation, while sedimentary processes are impossible due to Venus’s harsh, water - free environment.

Answer:

Claim 2 (Venus’s rock transformation processes form mostly igneous rock) is the stronger claim, supported by Venus’s volcanic activity and lack of conditions for sedimentary rock formation.