Venus is likely to have at least three dozen active volcanoes on its surface, according to a new study.
The research, published in Nature Geoscience, found evidence of 37 active volcanoes on the planet by looking at models of thermomechanical activity below the surface, as well as three-dimensional simulations of crown formation.
“This is the first time that we can point to specific structures and say ‘Look, this is not an ancient volcano but one that is active today, perhaps inactive, but not dead,'” said study co-author and the University of Maryland professor of Geology Laurent Montési in a statement. “This study significantly changes Venus’s view of a mostly dormant planet to one whose interior is still agitated and can fuel many active volcanoes.”
The 3D rendering above shows two crowns observed on the surface of Venus. Ring-shaped structures form when hot material from the depths of the planet rises through the mantle and erupts through the crust. (Credit: Laurent Montési)
VENUS WAS LIKELY LIVABLE FOR 3B YEARS. Then something mysterious happened.
Venus had long been assumed to be geologically active much longer than Mercury or Mars, according to Space.com, but recent evidence has indicated that the activity has lasted much longer than anyone thought.
The addition of three-dimensional simulations added to realism, allowing researchers to see the planet’s surface in greater detail, the researchers explained.
“The improved degree of realism in these models compared to previous studies allows us to identify various stages in the evolution of the crown and to define the diagnostic geological characteristics present only in currently active crowns,” added Montési. “We can say that at least 37 crowns have been active recently.”
Active volcanoes are “clustered in a handful of places”, which may suggest where the planet is active.
Venus has been called the “evil twin” of Earth.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)
It can also give researchers places to examine whether future missions to Venus are taking place, including the EnVision de Europa, slated to launch in 2032.
WE CAN GO TO VENUS WITH TODAY’S TECHNOLOGY, SCIENTISTS SAY
Venus, which has been called “Earth’s evil twin”, has an extremely harsh climate, with a surface temperature of 864 degrees Fahrenheit. It is probably too hot to support life, but NASA has recently said it intends to explore the planet.
In late 2019, NASA said it was working on a streak-like spacecraft to explore the planet, which has more volcanoes than any other celestial body in the Solar System.
A study published in September 2019 suggested that Venus may have been habitable for a few billion years, until something mysterious happened.
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