Sedimentary processes and crustal cycling on VenusSediment exists on the Venus surface. It is observed in Venera images between outcrops and boulders of sedimentary rocks. Sediment is produced by pyroclastic volcanism and chemical weathering. Chemical weathering is driven by an enhanced activity of water and an elevated surface temperature. Sediment is transported by wind action and lithified by cementration and diagenesis. Cementation may be by carbonate or silica cement; diagenesis may be products of chemical weathering acting as cement, or by compaction and recrystallization of sediment into a texture with interlocking grains. Sediment may be transported from the top of sialic continents (such as Ishtar) to the modal plains where it is deposited, lithified, and integrated into thy local crust. As new layers are added, the bottom of the crust melts and is, in part, returned to the mantle. A steady-state chemical exchange might exist by this mechanism of crustal cycling that links atmosphere, continents, modal plains, and mantle.
Document ID
19830040065
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Warner, J. L. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)