Geologists have modeled the process of corona formation-unique structures on the planet that arise from the accumulation of hot rock beneath a hidden barrier in the mantle.
Hundreds of giant circular formations known as coronae are located on the surface of Venus, Earth’s closest neighbor. Their diameter reaches hundreds of kilometers, and the origin of these structures remained a mystery for a long time.
New research published in the journal PNAS suggests that the cause of corona formation may be a so-called “glass ceiling” in Venus’s mantle. This barrier, at a depth of about 600 kilometers, traps the plumes of hot rock, causing them to deflect and spread sideways. As a result, some of the material forms large volcanic structures, while smaller rock clumps rise closer to the surface, creating the numerous smaller coronae.
Scientists note that Venus is similar to Earth in size and density, but the absence of plate tectonics has made its evolution unique. Coronae are geological formations that are only found on this planet.
According to the researchers, the interaction between cold material descending from the surface and hot mantle plumes triggers a chain reaction that forms new coronae. This discovery may explain the diversity of shapes and sizes of these structures.
The scientists emphasize that additional research is needed to definitively test the hypothesis. Understanding the nature of the coronae will allow for a deeper study of the thermal processes and internal dynamics of Venus.
