Formation models of the multiple coronae of Venus

Mathematics – Logic

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Scientific paper

We have analyzed the topographic and morphologic characteristics of the 62 multiple coronae [1,2,3] on the surface of Venus in order to assess their possible formation models.We have evaluated the following models: 1) Movement of the lithosphere over a stationary mantle plume [4, 5]. 2) Migration of a mantle plume or diapir under the lithosphere [4], perhaps by lithospheric channeling of the diapir [5]. 3) Emplacement of several spacially close interacting diapirs [6] either more or less synchronously or in succession [4,6]. 4) A secondary diapir arising from a larger diapir [6]. This may require a thicker lithosphere and/or more pronounced rheological layering of the lithosphere (with perhaps higher heat flow) or crust. Cybele Corona (8°S, 21°E; Class D [1]) may be an example of model 4 multiple corona. 5) Emplacement of an elongated diapir where diapir shape may have been influenced by the crustal/ lithospheric structure, e.g. a zone of weakness (e.g. a rift or a fracture zone) and/or stress field. Model 1 can be ruled out because Venus appears to be a one-plate planet (at least for the past 500-1000 m.yr.) where surface horizontal movements have been small. For many multiple coronae, and especially for many coronae in morphological Classes A, B, E and F [1], model 3 appears to be most simple and plausible formation mechanism. This applies especially to those multiple coronae where component structures have different topographic morphologies [2]. However, there are multiple coronae where lithospheric channeling [5] could have played a role (Oanuava Corona (32.5°S, 255.5°E) [5]; Class E1 [1]), and perhaps also Sandzimari Corona (11°S, 339.5°E; Class D [1]). In model 4, the secondary diapir could also be a magmatic diapir rising from the zone of melting on top of the main diapir. This magmatic diapir could then lead to volcanism and deformation of the crust or formation of a large magma chamber and eventually to downsagging and formation of a caldera-like secondary corona part. This could explain characteristics of some Class D multiple coronae (e.g. Ereshkigal Corona (21°N, 84.5°E)). Lithospheric channeling may also explain shapes and some topographic characteristics of Class D [1] multiple coronae. A few multiple coronae of Class C (e.g. Erkir Corona (16.3°S, 233.7°E)) may be explained by model 5, but formation by multiple diapirs cannot always be ruled out. Multiple corona morphological and topographic classes thus do not always directly imply a single formation mechanism and formation of the multiple coronae has to be evaluated case by case from geological and geophysical characteristics and interpretations. References: [1]] Törmänen T. et al. (2005) LPS XXXVI, #1640 [2] Törmänen T. et al. (2006) LPS XXXVII, #1725, [3] Törmänen T. et al. (2007) LPS XXXVIII, #1338. [4] Stofan E. R. et al. (1992) JGR, 97, 13347-13378. [5] Lopez I. (2002) JGR, 107, 5116-5127. [6] Törmänen T. and Kauhanen K. (1995) LPS XXVI, 1417-1418, abstract.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Formation models of the multiple coronae of Venus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Formation models of the multiple coronae of Venus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Formation models of the multiple coronae of Venus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-971434

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.