NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Geologic interpretation of new observations of the surface of VenusNew radar observations of the surface of Venus provide further evidence of a diverse and complex geologic evolution. The radar bright feature 'Beta' (24 deg N, 85 deg W) is seen to be a 700 km diameter region elevated a maximum of approximately 10 km relative to its surroundings with a 60 x 90 km wide depression at its summit. 'Beta' is interpreted to be a large volcanic construct, analogous to terrestrial and Martian shield volcanoes. Two large, quasi-circular areas of low reflectivity, examples of a class of features interpreted to be impact basins by previous investigators who were without the benefit of actual topographic information, are shown in altimetry maps to be depressions. Thus the term 'basin' can be applied, although we urge a non-genetic usage until more complete understanding of their origin is achieved through analysis of future observations.
Document ID
19780031984
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Saunders, R. S.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Malin, M. C.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1977
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 4
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
78A15893
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS7-100
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available