What effect does the absence of an atmosphere have on the moon's surface?

The absence of an atmosphere on the moon significantly contributes to extreme temperature variations on its surface. Without an atmosphere to retain heat, the moon experiences substantial temperature swings—daytime temperatures soar to about 127 degrees Celsius (260 degrees Fahrenheit), while nighttime temperatures can plummet to about -173 degrees Celsius (-280 degrees Fahrenheit). This lack of atmospheric insulation means there is no buffer to moderate the temperatures, leading to these harsh and dramatic variations.

In contrast, options suggesting a dynamic landscape or continuous weather patterns are misleading because a lack of atmosphere means there are no weather systems or geological processes driven by weather, resulting in a relatively static surface. Additionally, the notion of an oceanic environment is not applicable as there are no bodies of liquid water present on the moon, further underscoring the effect of the absence of an atmosphere.