Similar rotation rate and axial tilt should make the seasons of Earth and Mars alike but the thin Martian atmosphere accounts for the significant differences. There is currently no active plate tectonic system on Mars but surface features are evidence for the once active plates. .
The Martian Atmosphere.
The Martian atmosphere is very thin and made of carbon dioxide (95.3%), nitrogen (2.7%), argon (1.6%), and traces of oxygen and water. The atmospheric pressure is so low that it is less than 1% of Earth's. Mars does have a greenhouse effect but it only raises surface temperatures by 5*K ("The Planets"). The results of the Martian atmosphere effect the weather, and cause temperatures to rise and fall very quickly. Scientists believe that the early Martian atmosphere was basically steam and as the surface cooled enough water was condensed, resulting in a lot of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, and methane. The combination of those gases produced a thick atmosphere that would be similar to Earth's ("Weather, Climate, and Life on Mars: Frequently Asked Questions Answered"). The most likely explanation for the density change is the loss of the magnetic field. If the atmosphere remained thicker then liquid water and precipitation would be possible, thus allowing the planet to become more habitable. The atmospheric circulation system is less complex than Earth's because there are no bodies of water on Mars to influence wind patterns. Mars has its distinctive red color due to the oxidizing atmosphere that contains some material that produces iron in the surface ground, making it rusty. .
Temperature on Mars.
Mars is a cold planet with a range of temperatures. A warm temperature on Mars would be considered chilly by Earth standards. The average temperature on Mars is -67*F, and ranges from -270*F at the winter pole to 80*F during the summer on the dayside of the planet (Arnett). The temperatures are coldest the closest to the ground surface because during the night the ground rapidly cools the ground.
