Likely active volcanoes found on Venus, defying theory of dormant planet

The Guardian ^ | Monday, July 20, 2020 | Agence France-Presse

[SunkenCiv]

Scientists have identified 37 volcanic structures on Venus that appear to have been recently active - and probably still are today - painting the picture of a geologically dynamic planet and not a dormant world as long thought.

The research focused on ring-like structures called coronae, caused by an upwelling of hot rock from deep within the planet's interior, and provided compelling evidence of widespread recent tectonic and magma activity on Venus's surface, researchers have said.

Many scientists had long thought that Venus, lacking the plate tectonics that gradually reshape Earth's surface, was essentially dormant geologically, having been so for the past half billion years.

"Our work shows that some of that interior heat is still able to reach the surface even today. Venus is clearly not so geologically dead or dormant as previously thought," said Anna Gülcher, an Earth and planetary scientist of the Institute of Geophysics in Zurich, and lead author of the research published in the journal Nature Geoscience.

[SunkenCiv]

Two coronae on the surface of Venus which are formed when hot material from deep inside the planet rises through the mantle. The black line shows a gap in the imaging data. Photograph: Laurent Montesi/Reuters

[SunkenCiv]

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[DAC21]

Uhhhh, what is considered “recent” in Geological terms?

[American in Israel]

Well, that shoots Evolution tion in the foot.

Heretics!

[BenLurkin]

Suuuure. A “gap” in the “imaging”

Can’t fool me. That was put there to hide the alien artifacts.

[BipolarBob]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPEhQugz-Ew

[BipolarBob]

That’s the monolith. There’s another on Io but we were told to stay away.

[SunkenCiv]

I *told* them not to use a Sharpie.

[LouieFisk]

I hope they had time to warn the Venusians of the eruption and lava flow.

[cowboyusa]

This article made me go over the Uranus threads again. A great laugh.

[HighSierra5]

I wonder when they came to the “conclusion” that Venus was basically dead. How did they think the super thick Venusian atmosphere is maintained?

[BenLurkin]

Excellent

[JPG]

90 atmospheres of pressure and 900F. Welcome to Venus where you’d be crushed and roasted in seconds.

[polymuser]

“90 atmospheres of pressure and 900F. Welcome to Venus where you’d be crushed and roasted in seconds.

Venusians like Ruth’s Chris steaks.

[polymuser]

I’m sure Venusian take precautions...

[LouieFisk]

True - they’re at least used to dealing with Venereal threats.

[DoodleBob]

What is the weather like on Venus? Terrible, would be the short answer. The long answer is that it is extremely hot, the air pressure is extremely high, there are very strong winds, sulfuric acid rain (at higher altitudes) and lightning storms driven by volcanic eruptions. It is little wonder then why the only practical option for colonizing Venus involves creating floating cities above the cloud layer.

At least we don't have to worry about those Russian probes rusting.

[SunkenCiv]

Someone could make a killing off the s'mores manufacturing business.

[SunkenCiv]

Because their teacher said, they believe, that settles it. I make my own fun.

[adorno]

Scientists have identified 37 volcanic structures on Venus that appear to have been recently active - and probably still are today - painting the picture of a geologically dynamic planet and not a dormant world as long thought.

Just add water and some lightning, and VOILA! instant life forms, which by now have evolved into human-like life-forms. They're out there!