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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
11:34
Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
Recent hotspot volcanism on Venus from VIRTIS emissivity data.
Suzanne E Smrekar1, Ellen R Stofan, Nils Mueller
1Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Mail Stop 183-501, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA. ssmrekar@jpl.nasa.gov
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|April 10, 2010
Summary
Venus shows geological activity, with recent lava flows detected at volcanic hotspots. These findings suggest the planet is actively resurfacing, offering new insights into Venusian geology and its dynamic evolution.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Geology
- Geophysics
Background:
- Understanding Venus's geological activity is crucial for insights into planetary interior dynamics and climate evolution.
- Previous identification of nine potential volcanic hotspots suggests ongoing geological processes on Venus.
- The resurfacing history of Venus over the past billion years remains a key area of scientific inquiry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the geological activity and resurfacing processes on Venus.
- To analyze surface composition and age of lava flows at identified hotspots.
- To determine if Venus exhibits current geological activity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Visible and Infrared Thermal Imaging Spectrometer (VIRTIS) aboard the European Space Agency's Venus Express spacecraft.
- Analyzed variations in thermal emissivity to identify compositional differences in surface materials.
- Interpreted thermal anomalies as indicators of recent volcanic activity and minimal surface weathering.
Main Results:
- Identified compositional variations in lava flows at three distinct volcanic hotspots.
- Observed anomalies interpreted as a lack of significant surface weathering, indicating young lava flows.
- Estimated the age of these lava flows to be less than 2.5 million years, likely around 250,000 years or younger.
Conclusions:
- The findings provide strong evidence for active geological resurfacing on Venus.
- The young estimated age of lava flows suggests ongoing volcanic activity.
- This research contributes to understanding Venus's dynamic geological processes and its potential for current activity.
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