A new study from ETH Zurich suggests that some of Venus’s enormous rift valleys may be far younger than scientists once thought, according to ScienceDaily. The findings add to the growing debate over whether Earth’s neighbor is still geologically active.
Using high-resolution 3D computer simulations, researchers led by Taras Gerya recreated how Venusian rifts may form and change over time. Lead author Xi Yang completed the work during his master’s studies under Gerya’s supervision.
The team’s models showed that broad, raised edges known as rift flanks appear when rifts are relatively young and are still moving or have only recently stopped. The simulations also suggested that Venus’s rifts may widen by about 3 to 10 centimeters each year.
According to the study, the modeled structures match features seen in images from NASA’s Magellan probe, which supports the idea that some of these rifts formed more recently than previously assumed. The researchers say the work could help identify areas on Venus where tectonic or volcanic activity may still be happening.
