20. The Martian surface is arid and dusty.
Think about what the Earth’s surface is made of. Lots of minerals, like iron, silicon, and copper, and much organic matter. When plants and animals on Earth die, they decompose and create nutrient-rich soil, which then nourishes a new generation of plants and animals.
Mars does not have the organic matter that the Earth does, but it has high mineral content, especially iron. Its surface is red in color because of the high amount of iron oxide, just rust. Most of Mars’ surface is rocky, dusty, and extremely dry, basically a planet-sized desert.