Topography, surface properties, and tectonic evolutionDifferences in atmospheric composition, atmospheric and lithospheric temperature, and perhaps mantle composition, suggest that the rock cycle on Venus is not similar to the earth's. While radar data are not consistent with a thick, widespread and porous regolith like that of the moon, wind-transported regolith could be cemented into sedimentary rock that would be indistinguishable from other rocks in radar returns. The elevation spectrum of Venus is strongly unimodal, in contrast to the earth. Most topographic features of Venus remain enigmatic. Two types of tectonic model are proposed: a lithosphere too thick or buoyant to participate in convective flow, and a lithosphere which, in participating in convective flow, implies the existence of plate tectonics. Features consistent with earth-like plate tectonics have not been recognized.
Document ID
19830056189
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Mcgill, G. E. (Massachusetts, University Amherst, MA, United States)
Warner, J. L. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Malin, M. C. (Arizona State University Tempe, AZ, United States)
Arvidson, R. E. (Washington University St. Louis, MO, United States)
Eliason, E. (U.S. Geological Survey Flagstaff, AZ, United States)
Nozette, S. (Massachusetts Univ. Amherst, MA, United States)
Reasenberg, R. D. (MIT Cambridge, MA, United States)