Scientists have discovered that Venus’ surface is still changing today, with massive underground forces shaping its mysterious landscape. A new study has found signs of geological activity in the form of “coronae,” vast, oval-shaped structures that could reveal secrets about Venus and Earth’s ancient past.
Coronae are thought to form when hot plumes from deep inside a planet push against its outer shell, warping and cracking the crust above. These features are scattered across Venus’ surface, offering a glimpse into the planet’s inner workings. “They are very large features, and people have proposed different theories over the years as to how they formed,” said coauthor Anna Gülcher.
The study used gravity and topography data from NASA’s Magellan spacecraft to build a 3D computer model that simulated the flow of hot material inside Venus. The results suggest that tectonic processes may be shaping Venus’ surface around the coronae, including subduction-like activity and lithospheric dripping.
These findings could revolutionize our understanding of Venus’ geology and its implications for early Earth. While the study relied on old data, higher resolution images captured by the upcoming VERITAS mission will help clarify the results.
Source: https://www.space.com/astronomy/venus/curious-circles-on-venus-suggest-its-surface-is-still-changing