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Why do scientists think basalt is common on Venus?
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Venus
Venus photographed in ultraviolet light by the Pioneer Venus Orbiter (Pioneer 12) spacecraft, February 26, 1979. Although Venus's cloud cover is nearly featureless in visible light, ultraviolet imaging reveals distinctive structure and pattern, including global-scale V-shaped bands that open toward the west (left). Added color in the image emulates Venus's yellow-white appearance to the eye.
Scientists believe basalt is common on Venus based on two primary lines of evidence: direct surface analysis and observations of volcanic features.12
- Chemical Analysis: Data from several Soviet Venera and Vega landers measured the concentrations of various elements in surface rocks. The results from these missions indicated that the elemental compositions of the landing sites are similar to those of basaltic rocks found on Earth’s ocean floors and in volcanic regions like Hawaii and Iceland.1
- Volcanic Morphology: Much of the Venusian surface is covered by extensive lava fields characterized by long, thin flows. These features indicate that the erupting lavas were highly fluid, a property typical of basaltic lavas on Earth and the Moon. Additionally, the shield volcanoes found across the planet are composed of these same types of thin, fluid flows, further supporting the prevalence of basaltic volcanism.2