Venus is often viewed as a geologically inactive world, but new research suggests that this may not be the case. According to scientists, the planet’s crust is surprisingly thin and undergoes a unique process called metamorphism, which prevents it from thickening indefinitely.
Unlike Earth, Venus lacks the geological churn of plate tectonics that constantly recycles and sculpts its surface. However, researchers believe that a different type of planetary engine may be at work beneath the planet’s surface, causing the crust to break off or melt once it reaches a certain threshold.
This process can put water and elements back into the planet’s interior, driving volcanic activity. “It resets the playing field for how the geology, crust, and atmosphere on Venus work together,” said Justin Filiberto, co-author of the study.
Computer models used by the researchers simulated how different types of rocks in Venus’ crust behave under the planet’s extreme heat and pressure. The findings suggest that the planet’s crust is around 40 miles thick – much thinner than previously thought – and may be even less in some areas.
This mechanism could explain why Venus remains geologically active despite lacking plate tectonics. Recent analyses of archival data from NASA’s Magellan mission have revealed compelling evidence of volcanic activity as recent as the early 1990s.
Future missions, including NASA’s DAVINCI and VERITAS, set to launch in the early 2030s, may provide more data on Venus’ volcanic activity and confirm whether metamorphism is shaping the planet today.
Source: https://www.space.com/astronomy/venus/venus-crust-is-surprisingly-thin-could-this-explain-why-its-so-geologically-active