Geology and structure of Beta Regio, Venus: Results from Arecibo Radar Imaging
Abstract
Arecibo radar images of a portion of the equatorial region of Venus provide the first high resolution (1.5- to 2.0- km) synoptic coverage of Beta Regio. Within this area, tessera, a complex deformed terrain, is identified as a major geologic unit with the largest region corresponding to a plateau on the east flank of the highland. Three models are proposed to explain the origin and evolution of Beta Regio and are identified as Mantle Plume/Passive Crust, Mantle Plume/Active Crust, and Mantle Plume/Crustal Spreading. The Mantle Plume/Passive Crust model appears to be the most consistent with the geology in this region and suggests that a plume disrupts a preexisting region of tessera.
- Publication:
-
Geophysical Research Letters
- Pub Date:
- June 1991
- DOI:
- 10.1029/91GL01001
- Bibcode:
- 1991GeoRL..18.1159S
- Keywords:
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- Equatorial Regions;
- Geological Surveys;
- Radar Imagery;
- Venus (Planet);
- Mapping;
- Volcanoes;
- Planetology: Solid Surface Planets and Satellites: Interiors;
- Planetology: Solid Surface Planets and Satellites: Surfaces;
- Planetology: Solid Surface Planets and Satellites: Tectonics;
- Planetology: Solid Surface Planets and Satellites: Volcanism