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Updated: Nov 1, 2025
11:34
Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
10.5K
A globally fragmented and mobile lithosphere on Venus
Paul K Byrne1, Richard C Ghail2, A M Celâl Şengör3,4
1Planetary Research Group, Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695; paul.byrne@ncsu.edu solomon@ldeo.columbia.edu.
Summary
Venus
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Geology
- Geophysics
Background:
- Venus was thought to have a static, continuous lithosphere, unlike Earth's mobile plates.
- Mantle convection was hypothesized to cause surface deformation on Venus.
- The scale and style of Venus's tectonic expression remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent of surface mobility on Venus driven by mantle convection.
- To clarify the style and scale of tectonic features on Venus.
- To determine if interior convection drives surface deformation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a globally distributed set of crustal blocks in Venus's lowlands.
- Modeling of lithospheric stresses based on interior viscous flow, gravity, and topography.
- Comparison of Venus's tectonic style with other terrestrial planets.
Main Results:
- Identified crustal blocks on Venus that have rotated and moved laterally, resembling jostling pack ice.
- Observed deformation that postdates the youngest plains materials.
- Calculated lithospheric stresses sufficient to cause brittle failure in the upper crust.
Conclusions:
- Mantle convection can drive deformation at the Venusian surface.
- Venus exhibits limited but widespread lithospheric mobility, contrasting with Mercury, the Moon, and Mars.
- Venus's tectonic style may offer insights into early Earth's interior-surface coupling.
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