volcanic activity on Venus – Science

Discovery of Subsurface Lava Tube on Venus Provides Insights into Planet’s Geologic Activity

Grant Pearson — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 11:15:25 +0000

In a groundbreaking development for planetary science, researchers from the University of Trento have unearthed substantial evidence suggesting the existence of a large, empty lava tube beneath the harsh and cloud-laden surface of Venus. This discovery not only expands our understanding of volcanic processes beyond Earth but also provides a compelling insight into the geological history of our solar system’s second planet. Until now, the harsh conditions on Venus, characterized by high temperatures and thick sulfuric acid clouds, have hindered detailed observations of its surface operations, leaving many aspects of its volcanic activity shrouded in mystery.

The research team identified this potential subterranean feature through comprehensive analysis of radar imagery. Utilizing data from the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) onboard NASA’s Magellan mission, the researchers meticulously examined the Nyx Mons region—a site named after the Greek goddess of night. Their findings reveal signs indicative of a volcanic cavity, providing critical validation of long-held theories regarding volcanism on Venus.

Lorenzo Bruzzone, the leader of this research initiative, emphasizes the significant implications of such a discovery for planetary science. He articulates how limited direct observations of Venus make any potential confirmations particularly critical. “The identification of a volcanic cavity is incredibly important,” states Bruzzone, “as it allows us to validate theories that have been conjectured for many years.” This pivotal finding not only enhances our comprehension of volcanic phenomena on Venus but also encourages further exploration of the planet’s complex environmental factors.

Given the challenges faced when detecting lava tubes on other celestial bodies, the implications of finding one on Venus are extraordinary. Lava tubes, which typically form when underground lava flow cools and solidifies, can remain hidden from direct view. Instead, they often reveal themselves through surface collapses that result in depressions or pits. This scenario becomes even more complicated on Venus due to its dense atmosphere and thick cloud cover that obscures traditional visual imaging techniques, necessitating reliance on radar data for geological examination.

The Magellan spacecraft, which mapped Venus’s surface between 1990 and 1992, utilized radar to penetrate the planet’s clouds and provide an unprecedented glimpse of its topography. By analyzing localized surface collapses in the Nyx Mons region using innovative imaging techniques developed in Bruzzone’s laboratory, the researchers were able to identify a sizable subsurface conduit that they interpret as a lava tube, or pyroduct, with an impressive diameter of around one kilometer and a depth of at least 375 meters. Such dimensions suggest that this subsurface structure is not only extensive but also provides fertile ground for further investigation into Venusian geology.

Factors inherent to Venus—such as its atmospheric density and lower gravitational pull—could significantly influence the formation of lava tubes. The rapid cooling of lava flows in this environment might allow for the quick establishment of a robust insulative crust. This contrasts with conditions on Earth, where surface conditions can vary greatly, impacting the cooling rates and formation of subterranean structures.

The dimensions of the identified lava tube present an intriguing contrast to those typically observed on Earth or even theorized for Mars. Bruzzone highlights that the tube’s scale might exceed expectations based on terrestrial observations, particularly noting the vast lava channels that Venus exhibits, which dwarf those found on its planetary neighbors. This correlation reinforces the hypothesis that Venus is an unparalleled model for studying volcanic and geological processes on rocky planets.

While the current research predominantly examines the tube’s accessibility at the skylight, considerations of the nearby geographic features and other similar pits provide compelling evidence that the lava conduits may extend significantly—potentially stretching over distances of at least 45 kilometers. The team acknowledges that verification of this hypothesis, along with the identification of additional lava tubes, will necessitate access to more refined radar data—something that future mission plans, such as ESA’s Envision and NASA’s upcoming Veritas, aim to address.

Both Envision and Veritas will be equipped with advanced radar systems capable of capturing higher-resolution surface images, allowing for more thorough examinations of Venus’s terrain. Envision, in particular, will include an innovative orbital ground-penetrating radar, known as the Subsurface Radar Sounder, which has the potential to probe the planet’s depths and possibly even uncover additional lava tubes without the dependency on visible surface openings.

This discovery not only signifies a critical turning point in the exploration of Venus but also lays the groundwork for the future of planetary science. With continued advancements in technology and analytical techniques, researchers hope to uncover more secrets about this neighboring planet that could change our understanding of volcanic activity across the solar system. Efforts underway promise a wealth of knowledge that may redefine our perceptions of not only Venus but the geological narratives of other planets as well.

As researchers continue to delve into the enigmatic world of Venus, this newfound information holds the key to unlocking deeper understandings of planetary evolution, paving the way for a future where we can make meaningful comparisons across our solar system’s diverse planetary bodies. The findings from the University of Trento could mark the commencement of a thrilling chapter in planetary exploration, preparing us for further insights into the complexities of volcanic activity and surface conditions on Venus, and by extension, on other celestial realms.

In light of these revelations, the scientific community remains eager for future missions that will enhance our imaging capabilities and expand our knowledge horizon, offering a glimpse into the volcanic history of Venus and its potential parallels with Earth and beyond. As we stand at the precipice of new discoveries, one cannot help but feel a renewed vigor for the enduring pursuit of understanding our cosmic neighbors.

Subject of Research: Exploration of volcanic activity and the identification of subterranean structures on Venus.
Article Title: Identification of a Lava Tube Beneath Venus’s Surface: Insights from Radar Imagery
News Publication Date: 9-Feb-2026
Web References: Nature Communications
References: Nature Communications, University of Trento Research Publications
Image Credits: Credit: RSLab, University of Trento

Keywords

Venus, lava tube, volcanic activity, planetary science, radar imagery, subterranean geology, Magellan mission, Nyx Mons, remote sensing, ground-penetrating radar.

NASA’s Magellan Mission Uncovers Evidence of Potential Tectonic Activity on Venus

Violet Maxwell — Wed, 14 May 2025 18:17:06 +0000

Vast and enigmatic geological features on the surface of Venus, known as coronae, provide intriguing evidence suggesting that the planet may exhibit tectonic activities similar to those observed on Earth. In new research spearheaded by scientists utilizing data collected over three decades ago by NASA’s pioneering Magellan mission, it has become increasingly clear that the geological machinery of Venus may be more active than previously understood. While Venus does not have tectonic plates akin to Earth, the findings indicate that the planet’s surface is still undergoing transformation due to dynamic processes driven by molten materials from below.

Researchers focused on coronae, which are unique geological formations found on Venus. These structures, often quasi-circular in shape and ranging widely in diameter from tens to hundreds of miles, are hypothesized to form where molten rock from the planet’s mantle rises towards the surface. The mechanisms at play beneath the lithosphere, which includes the crust and the upper mantle, have long intrigued planetary scientists. Typically, coronae are characterized by their oval shape and concentric fracture systems, with hundreds identified across Venus’ surface.

The groundbreaking study published in the journal Science Advances reveals compelling evidence of ongoing geological processes shaping many coronae. By reevaluating data gathered during the Magellan mission, which provided the most comprehensive gravity and topographic data of Venus to date, researchers have uncovered signs of continued activity both at and beneath these features. The lead author of the study, Gael Cascioli, an assistant research scientist at the University of Maryland, underscores the relevance of this research for understanding both Venus and early Earth, noting that coronae may have existed on our planet in its formative years before the establishment of plate tectonics.

The Magellan spacecraft, which operated in the early ’90s, utilized its sophisticated radar systems to penetrate the dense atmosphere of Venus, mapping its mountain ranges and plains with remarkable precision. Among the geological wonders captured by the spacecraft were coronae—intriguing formations whose origins remained a mystery for many years. Following the initial observations, subsequent research has shown that a significant number of these structures are often located in areas where the lithosphere appears to be thinner and where heat flow from the interior of Venus is notably high.

The findings from the recent study illuminate the potential for various ongoing geological processes, including those that may have been active during the early stages of Earth’s geological history. Coauthor Anna Gülcher highlights the abundance of coronae on Venus, suggesting that their sheer size and frequency indicate that multiple mechanisms are likely responsible for their formation. The study indicates that these processes, previously thought to be exclusive to Venus, may have parallels in the ancient formative years of Earth’s geology.

To explore the origins of a subset of the studied coronae, the research team employed advanced three-dimensional geodynamic models. These models simulate different formation scenarios induced by thermal plumes and compare these scenarios against the data acquired through Magellan. The gravity data proved pivotal for identifying less dense and buoyant plumes located below the surface, a distinction that could not have been made using topography data alone. The study scrutinized 75 coronae, determining that 52 of them likely conceal buoyant mantle material beneath, which actively contributes to tectonic processes.

One of the key tectonic processes identified in the study is akin to the concept of subduction found on Earth, where one tectonic plate slides beneath another. This movement can result in common geological phenomena such as earthquakes or volcanic activity, as melting rock is recycled back to the surface through various vents. On Venus, however, subduction around coronae unfolds quite differently. As a buoyant plume ascends, it causes surrounding surface material to be displaced, leading to the formation of depressions as that material is pushed downward back into the mantle.

Additionally, another tectonic mechanism referred to as lithospheric dripping may also be at work on Venus. In this scenario, cooler, denser materials from the lithosphere descend into the hot mantle. The study points out that the presence of molten rock beneath denser segments of the lithosphere potentially fuels volcanism in those regions, adding another layer of complexity to understanding the planet’s geological activities.

The research marks a notable return to the analysis of Magellan’s data, revealing that Venus possesses geologic processes that exhibit a strength and frequency reminiscent of Earth’s own geological phenomena. Following the analysis, scientists have recently identified the existence of active volcanoes using enhanced radar images, providing direct evidence of volcanic activity on the planet’s surface, including extensive lava flows from prominent geological features like Maat Mons, Sif Mons, and Eistla Regio.

Despite the strides made through these discoveries, the authors of the current study emphasize that sharper, higher-resolution data is necessary for a complete understanding of the tectonic processes that drive the formation of coronae. The forthcoming VERITAS mission, which will launch no earlier than 2031, promises to enhance gravitational mapping of Venus, potentially doubling or quadrupling the resolution compared to existing data. This leap in detail could fundamentally reshape our comprehension of Venusian geology and its broader implications for understanding the early conditions on Earth.

VERITAS, managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, will utilize synthetic aperture radar technology to generate detailed three-dimensional maps of the planet’s surface, along with a near-infrared spectrometer designed to analyze the composition of Venus’ surface materials. By measuring the gravitational field of Venus, the mission aims to unearth the structure of the planet’s interior, providing crucial insights into areas of surface activity and possibly advancing our understanding of planetary formation processes.

As we stand on the verge of new discoveries propelled by missions like VERITAS, the intricate geological dynamics of Venus not only challenge our perceptions of our neighboring planet but also enrich our understanding of the processes that shaped our own Earth. With ongoing research revealing more about this enigmatic world, the anticipation builds for what further explorations may uncover.

Subject of Research: Tectonic processes on Venus
Article Title: A spectrum of tectonic processes at coronae on Venus revealed by gravity and topography
News Publication Date: 14-May-2025
Web References: NASA’s Magellan Mission, VERITAS Mission Overview
References: DOI link
Image Credits: NASA/JPL

Keywords

Venus, coronae, tectonics, Magellan mission, VERITAS, geodynamics, geology, volcanic activity, planetary science, Earth-like processes, magma plumes, lithosphere.