Rift Systems on Venus: An Assessment of Mechanical and Thermal Models

The formation and distribution of major tectonic features on Venus are closely linked to the dominant mechanism of lithospheric heat loss. Among the most spectacular and extensive of the major tectonic features on Venus are the Chasmata, deep linear valleys generally interpreted to be the products of lithospheric extension and rifting. Systems of chasmata and related features can be traced along several tectonic zones up to 20,000 km in linear extent. Mechanical and thermal models for terrestrial continental-rifting are applied to the rift systems of Venus. The models are tested against known topographic and tectonic characteristics of Venus chasmata as well as independent information on the physical properties of the Venus crust and lithosphere.