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Blob tectonics: A prediction for Western Aphrodite Terra, Venus
Author(s) -
Heirick Robert R.,
Phillips Roger J.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/gl017i012p02129
Subject(s) - venus , geology , diapir , mantle (geology) , tectonics , upwelling , mantle convection , geophysics , geodesy , seismology , astrobiology , lithosphere , oceanography , physics
It is proposed that the Western Aphrodite Terra region of Venus was formed by four diapirs of heated mantle material, or blobs, rising to the surface in a region of convective upwelling. The four blobs are in different stages of evolution, producing different topography, gravity anomalies, and morphology. We show that this model is consistent with available data and make specific predictions that can be tested with Magellan radar data.