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Alpha Regio

surface feature, Venus

Quick Summary

Alpha Regio is a highland region on Venus, similar in size to South America, and is characterized by complex, highly deformed terrain known as tesserae. These regions appear rugged and are marked by intersecting ridges and troughs, suggesting significant tectonic activity. Tesserae are often very bright in radar images, indicating a rough, blocky surface. Alpha Regio is one of several smaller elevated regions on Venus, alongside Beta Regio and Phoebe Regio, which are also attributed to tectonic processes. The surface of Venus is generally dry and rocky, with most of the planet covered by rolling plains, but these highland areas represent significant deviations in elevation.123

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