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Updated: Aug 6, 2025
07:58
Data Processing Methods for 3D Seismic Imaging of Subsurface Volcanoes: Applications to the Tarim Flood Basalt
Published on: August 7, 2017
9.4K
Surface changes observed on a Venusian volcano during the Magellan mission
Robert R Herrick1, Scott Hensley2
1Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|March 15, 2023
Summary
Evidence suggests active volcanism on Venus. Magellan spacecraft radar data revealed a volcanic vent changing shape over an 8-month period, indicating recent geological activity on the planet.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Geology
- Volcanology
Background:
- Venus possesses a geologically young surface, but the presence of active volcanism remains unconfirmed.
- Understanding Venus's geological activity is crucial for planetary evolution studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate evidence for ongoing volcanic activity on Venus.
- To analyze changes in volcanic features using Magellan mission data.
Main Methods:
- Utilized synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery from the Magellan spacecraft.
- Compared images of volcanic regions taken at different times (1990-1992).
- Analyzed changes in a specific volcanic vent and surrounding flows over an 8-month interval.
Main Results:
- Identified a ~2.2-square-kilometer volcanic vent that exhibited shape changes between two Magellan imaging epochs.
- Observed additional volcanic flows downhill from the vent in later images.
- Acknowledged potential imaging geometry differences as a factor in feature visibility.
Conclusions:
- The observed changes in the volcanic vent are interpreted as strong evidence for active volcanism on Venus.
- This finding suggests that Venus may be geologically active in the present day.
- Further research is needed to confirm the extent and nature of Venusian volcanic activity.
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