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Evidence for retrograde lithospheric subduction on venus
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|August 7, 1992
Summary
Large Venus coronae may feature retrograde lithospheric subduction, similar to Earth's subduction zones. This geological process could explain the unique topography observed around these Venusian features.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Geology
- Geophysics
- Venus Science
Background:
- Annular moats and outer rises around Venus coronae resemble Earth's subduction zone trenches and outer rises.
- Terrestrial trenches and outer rises are explained by the flexural response of a thin elastic lithosphere to slab bending.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the geological processes shaping large Venus coronae.
- To determine if lithospheric subduction and back-arc extension occur on Venus.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of topographic and planform similarities between Venus coronae and Earth's subduction zones.
- Application of the lithospheric flexure model to Venusian features.
Main Results:
- The lithospheric flexure model successfully accounts for the trenches and outer rises associated with major Venus coronae.
- Evidence suggests retrograde lithospheric subduction at the margins of Venus coronae.
Conclusions:
- Retrograde lithospheric subduction is proposed as a mechanism for forming Venus coronae features.
- Compensating back-arc extension may occur within the coronae interiors.
- Similar processes might be active in other Venusian trench and chasmata systems, such as Dali-Diana.
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