Venus Undergoes Geological Transformation: Evidence of Active Tectonics

Recent research indicates that the surface of Venus is undergoing significant geological changes, driven by tectonic forces similar to those that shape Earth. This assertion is founded on new analyses of data gathered by the Magellan spacecraft and advanced computer modeling techniques that suggest the planet is not geologically inactive as once believed. The findings were published on May 14, 2025, in the journal *Science Advances* by a team of researchers from the University of Bern, led by Anna Gülcher, a noted expert in Earth and planetary science.

For decades, the circular landforms on Venus, known as coronae, have posed a mystery to scientists. Unlike Earth, where tectonic plates constantly shift, Venus has long been thought to have a static surface. However, Gülcher and her colleagues argue that hot plumes of rock rising from the planet's mantle are reshaping these coronae, indicating ongoing tectonic activity. According to Gülcher, "Some people have said that Venus is 'geologically dead,' but evidence has been growing that suggests otherwise."

The research utilized a computer model to simulate the deformation of Venus's crust under the influence of these hot mantle plumes. By comparing model predictions with gravity data collected by the Magellan spacecraft, the team identified plumes beneath 52 coronae. This correlation implies that the geological processes at play on Venus may involve mechanisms similar to Earth’s tectonics, including subduction, where crustal material sinks beneath other layers.

Paul Byrne, a planetary scientist at Washington University in St. Louis and a contributor to the study, elaborated on the implications of these findings. He noted that while Venus lacks distinct tectonic plates like Earth, the processes of subduction might still occur along the coronae's edges, potentially resulting in seismic activity. "If there are quakes on Venus, the strongest ones likely occur at the rims of coronae," Byrne stated. The dynamics of these geological forces could also lead to significant alterations in the planet’s surface over time.

The implications of this research extend beyond understanding Venus’s current geological state. Gülcher speculates that if Venus is indeed tectonically active today, it raises questions about its past. "Could there have been a time when Venus was more habitable?" she asks. The upcoming VERITAS spacecraft mission is expected to provide even more detailed data about Venus’s geology, further illuminating the planet's history and the potential for past life.

The study is supported by a broader context of ongoing research into planetary geology. For instance, a 2024 study published in the journal *Geophysical Research Letters* indicated that active volcanoes may be common on Venus, suggesting a dynamic geological history. Additionally, NASA’s ongoing exploration missions continue to gather critical data on planetary bodies, fostering a deeper understanding of their evolutionary processes.

In conclusion, the new findings regarding the tectonic activity on Venus not only challenge long-held perceptions of the planet but also enhance our understanding of geological processes beyond Earth. As research continues, the potential for discovering past environments that could have supported life on Venus remains an intriguing possibility, marking a significant advancement in planetary science.