A migratory mantle plume on Venus: Implications for Earth?
A spatially fixed or at least internally rigid hotspot reference frame has been assumed for determining relative plate motions on Earth. Recent 1:5,000,000 scale mapping of Venus, a planet without terrestrial-style plate tectonics and ocean cover, reveals a systematic age and dimensional progression of corona-like arachnoids occurring in an uncinate chain. The nonrandom associations between arachnoids indicate they likely formed from a deep-seated mantle plume in a manner similar to terrestrial hotspot features. However, absence of expected convergent "plate" margin deformation suggests that the arachnoids are the surface expression of a migratory mantle plume beneath a stationary surface. If mantle plumes are not stationary on Venus, what if any are the implications for Earth?
Citation Information
Publication Year | 1996 |
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Title | A migratory mantle plume on Venus: Implications for Earth? |
DOI | 10.1029/96JB00883 |
Authors | Mary G. Chapman, Randolph L. Kirk |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Journal of Geophysical Research B: Solid Earth |
Index ID | 70019067 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Astrogeology Science Center |