Overview
- Recent research published in *Science Advances* identifies active geological processes in 52 of 75 coronae studied on Venus, based on decades-old Magellan spacecraft data.
- Gravity and topography data reveal density variations indicative of hot mantle plumes and subduction-like trench formations around coronae.
- Simulations suggest Venus's lithosphere undergoes localized recycling through processes such as lithospheric dripping and plume-driven deformation.
- The findings reshape our understanding of Venus as a geologically dynamic planet, offering insights into Earth's early tectonic history and planetary evolution.
- NASA's VERITAS mission, launching no earlier than 2031, is expected to provide higher-resolution gravity and surface data to further investigate Venus's tectonic activity.