Magellan mission reveals possible tectonic activity on Venus
- Researchers using archival data from NASA's Magellan mission found likely tectonic-like activity on Venus as of 1994.
- This discovery stems from investigating coronae, large circular features linked to mantle plumes that deform Venus's surface without tectonic plates.
- The study revealed 52 coronae over hot, buoyant magma plumes that drive crust recycling and surface deformation similar to early Earth processes.
- Gael Cascioli explained that while coronae are absent on modern Earth, they might have been present in the planet’s early history before the onset of plate tectonics.
- Upcoming missions like VERITAS will increase gravity data resolution by two to four times, potentially revolutionizing understanding of Venusian geology and its tectonic implications.
20 Articles
20 Articles
NASA Finds Venus Has a Surprisingly Thin Crust – And Something Stranger
Venus may not have Earth-style tectonic plates, but it’s far from geologically quiet. A new model shows its crust is surprisingly thin and undergoes dramatic transformations, breaking off or melting into the mantle and potentially triggering volcanic eruptions. This crustal “metamorphism” gives scientists a whole new perspective on how Venus churns beneath its blistering surface. [...]
NASA Mission Reveals “Ground Shaking” New Insights into Mysterious Structures on Venus
A new analysis of mysterious structures on Venus known as coronae has revealed the likely presence of tectonic activity on the cloudy planet. While previous studies indicated Venus does not possess tectonic plates like Earth, the new analysis, which involved a fresh look at data collected by NASA’s Magellan mission, says the mysterious structures were likely caused by rising magma, inducing a tectonic shift in the planet’s upper mantle and crust…
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