Evidence of living volcanic activity has been confirmed for the first time on Venus, which is also called the twin planet because it is similar in mass and size to Earth.
A research team led by Professor Robert Herrick of the University of Alaska’s Geophysical Laboratory in Fairbanks, USA recently analyzed radar image data from 30 years ago at the 54th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference held in Woodland, Texas, and evidence showing that volcanic activity has occurred recently. announced.
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the University of Alaska, the research team determined the size and size of the crater, the channel through which magma or volcanic ejecta flowed to the surface, from radar images captured by the NASA Venus probe Magellan in 1991 with an 8-month lag. It was found that the shape had changed.
| ▲ A 3D model of the summit of ‘Martmons’ where volcanic activity was captured. |
The volcano was identified at Maat Mons, one of two volcanoes in Atla Regio, a plateau near the equator.
The two volcanoes of Atla Regio are among the largest on Venus. Until recently, it was assumed that there was volcanic activity, but there was no direct evidence.
The research team confirmed that the flower of Martmons, captured by Magellan in February, was regarding 2.2 km² and was close to a circle, but in the image captured 8 months later, the size doubled and the circular shape was also broken. In addition, it was not possible to confirm whether or not the lava had hardened, but it was assumed that a lava lake was formed inside the furnace because it was filled with lava to the edge of the furnace.
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| ▲ Comparison of radar images of Hwado Island (bottom right), which has changed in size and shape following volcanic eruption. |
The research team created a computer model of Hwado and experimented with various geological situations such as landslides and earthquakes, and came to the conclusion that only volcanic eruptions can produce such changes.
The research team estimated that Martmons spewed lava similar to the eruption of Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii in 2018.
Professor Herrick said, “We can say that Venus is undergoing volcanic activity because it erupts at least several times a year.”
The research team had a hard time analyzing the low-resolution radar images 30 years ago, but they said that they would be able to secure more convincing evidence when a new Venus probe ‘VERITAS’ is launched in the next 10 years.
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| ▲ Atla Regio region near the equator where volcanic activity was captured. |
Veritas can create a three-dimensional (3D) map with advanced all-weather imaging radar and use a near-infrared spectrometer to identify the topography and internal structure of Venus hidden by thick clouds.
Through this, it is expected that clues to the process of having a hot and harsh environment that can melt lead even though it has a mass and size similar to that of the Earth can be obtained.
“Venus is an enigmatic world, and Magellan offers many possibilities,” said Jennifer Wheaton of Tulane University, who is part of the Veritas science team. A small trailer for the great discoveries to come.”
The results of this study were also published in the scientific journal ‘Science’.
Science Team [email protected]
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