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Height and altitude distribution of large volcanoes on VenusMagellan data reveal 156 large volcanoes on Venus (greater than 100 km in diameter) which range in height from 300 m to 5.55 km, with an average height of 1.42 km. On the basis of theory it has been predicted that the development of neutral buoyancy zones (NBZ) on Venus and thus the resulting volcanic deposits are strongly influenced by the altitude-controlled variations in surface pressure. The distribution and height of these large volcanoes as a function of altitude was examined to begin to test these predications. Although large volcanoes are relatively uniformly distributed in altitude, there may be a slight paucity of volcanoes at the lowest elevations and a slight surplus at mid-altitudes. In addition, it is observed that the volcanoes at the highest altitudes tend to be the tallest. The observed distributions at low-mid altitudes is consistent with the prediction of NBZ theory. The high altitude distribution and heights, however, emphasize the necessity of considering other factors, such as tectonic setting, edifice age, magma supply, and thermal gradient, in describing the location and development of large volcanoes on Venus.
Document ID
19950033144
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Keddie, S. T.
(Brown Univ. Providence, RI, United States)
Head, J. W.
(Brown Univ. Providence, RI, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Planetary and Space Science
Volume: 42
Issue: 6
ISSN: 0032-0633
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
95A64743
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2185
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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