Scientists have identified that Venus' extensive plateaus, called tesserae, might have formed through processes similar to those that created Earth's earliest continents billions of years ago.
Led by Associate Professor Fabio Capitanio from the Monash University School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, the international study was conducted in collaboration with NASA and published in Nature Geoscience.
"The study challenges our understanding of how planets evolve," said Associate Professor Capitanio.
"We did not expect Venus, with its scorching 460 C surface temperature and lack of plate tectonics, to possess such complex geological features."
Researchers used high-performance computer simulations and data from the Magellan spacecraft to model the formation of Ishtar Terra, Venus' largest plateau.
The findings suggest that Ishtar Terra and other tesserae may have risen from the planet's hot interior through a process similar to the formation of Earth's cratons - the ancient cores of our continents.
"This finding provides a fascinating new perspective on Venus and its potential links to early Earth," said Associate Professor Capitanio.
"The features we found on Venus are strikingly similar to Earth's early continents, suggesting that the dynamics of Venus' past may have been more similar to Earth's than previously thought."
Understanding the formation of these "continents" on Venus could shed light on the evolution of rocky planets, including Earth.
Earth's cratons hold crucial clues about the emergence of topography, atmosphere, and even life.
"By studying similar features on Venus, we hope to unlock the secrets of Earth's early history," said Associate Professor Capitanio.
"Our research has paved the way for future missions to Venus, such as DAVINCI, VERITAS, and EnVision.
"These missions will provide further insights into Venus' geological history and its connection to Earth."
Research Report:Ishtar Terra highlands on Venus raised by craton-like formation mechanisms
Related Links
Monash University
Venus Express News and Venusian Science
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