Tectonics of Venus: A Review

The main structural types of Venus regions are considered, and some of the probable models for their formation are presented. Features described and modeled include domelike uplifts, coronae, ridge belts, tesserae, Ishtar Terra, and Aphrodite Terra. The Paraga and Hecate belts are described, and the global tectonic structrue of Venus is considered. The thickness of the Venusian lithosphere and the tectonic evolution of Venus are examined. It is concluded that the present day tectonic structure of Venus formed during two stages of the planet's evolution with various tectonic styles. The first stage concerns tectonics of soft ductile plates, or formation of tessera paleocontinents with thicker crust in extension areas. Stage II is a formation of 'weakened' uplifted planetary belts, various tectonic regimes of mantle hot-spots, and plains-forming volcanism. Throughout the evolution of Venus dispersed mantle hot-spot tectonics were also widespread.