Venus crust operates a strict decluttering policy
New research suggests the Venus crust stays surprisingly thin by melting its lower layers or dropping dense material into the mantle. The planet has invented geological minimalism at 460 degrees Celsius.
Earth recycles crust through moving tectonic plates. Venus appears to have one continuous shell and no clear subduction, so scientists expected its crust to keep thickening.
Models instead place the average thickness near 40 kilometres. When the base grows dense, it may break away or melt, returning material to the interior and helping volcanic activity.
“Venus follows the one-in, one-out rule,” said Professor Magma Pumice, Director of Planetary Cupboards. “Unfortunately, everything that goes out becomes lava.”
The result gives researchers a new way to understand the planet’s crust, atmosphere and evolution. It also confirms that Earth’s hotter twin handles inherited rock better than most families handle inherited exercise equipment.
At the Institute of Mantle Organisation, staff labelled one shelf KEEP, another MELT and a third ASK AGAIN AFTER THE DAVINCI MISSION.
Future spacecraft should test the model directly. Venus has agreed to host them, provided they enjoy crushing pressure and never ask why the floor is glowing.
Read the real story: NASA’s report on the surprising Venus crust model.
