Is there significant volcanic activity on Venus, one of the planets in our solar system? A recent study published in the planetary science research paper of the Springer Nature journal "Nature Astronomy" reveals observations of volcanic lava flows in two different regions on Venus, suggesting that volcanic activity on Venus may be larger and more widespread than previously thought. This research supports previous evidence indicating that Venus is currently in a volcanic active period.
The paper explains that the thick atmosphere of Venus makes direct observations of its surface challenging. Data from the US "Magellan" Venus probe's global radar imaging in the 1990s showed that Venus's surface is covered with numerous volcanoes, indicating past significant volcanic activity shaping the planet's geological features. However, the impact of volcanic activity on Venus's current geological state has remained unclear. Nevertheless, recent data from the "Magellan" probe last year revealed evidence of recent activity at a volcano on Venus's surface.
The first author and corresponding author of the paper, Davide Sulcanese from the University of Padua in Italy, along with colleagues and collaborators, analyzed two sets of radar data collected in 1990 and 1992 by the "Magellan" probe to search for evidence of volcanic activity. They identified surface changes in two regions on Venus, Sif Mons to the west and Niobe Planitia to the west, which could indicate volcanic activity, as these regions exhibit volcanic features. After considering various possible sources, the authors of the paper suggest that these changes may be caused by new volcanic lava flows.
In conclusion, the authors of the paper state that Venus is currently a geologically active planet with widespread volcanic activity. They also suggest that the volcanic activity on Venus is similar to that on Earth, indicating that Venus's volcanic activity is more active than previously believed.
(Original title: "Is Venus Experiencing Significant Volcanic Activity? New Study Finds Evidence of an Active Volcanic Period")
