Scientists Find Evidence of Underground Lava Tunnel on Venus
Scientists have discovered evidence suggesting that Venus may harbor an underground tunnel formed by volcanic lava flows, similar to lava tubes found on Earth and the Moon. The structure, identified through analysis of surface data, appears to have been carved by volcanic eruptions during Venus's geologically active past.
Lava tubes form when the surface of a lava flow cools and solidifies while molten rock continues to flow beneath, eventually draining and leaving behind a hollow tunnel. On Venus, where volcanic activity has played a dominant role in shaping the planet's surface, such features could provide important clues about the planet's internal heat and geological evolution.
The finding is of particular interest to planetary scientists as Venus continues to be a target for future exploration missions. Understanding the planet's volcanic features and subsurface structures could inform mission planning and help answer questions about why Venus and Earth — once thought to be similar — diverged so dramatically in their planetary evolution.
Lava tubes form when the surface of a lava flow cools and solidifies while molten rock continues to flow beneath, eventually draining and leaving behind a hollow tunnel. On Venus, where volcanic activity has played a dominant role in shaping the planet's surface, such features could provide important clues about the planet's internal heat and geological evolution.
The finding is of particular interest to planetary scientists as Venus continues to be a target for future exploration missions. Understanding the planet's volcanic features and subsurface structures could inform mission planning and help answer questions about why Venus and Earth — once thought to be similar — diverged so dramatically in their planetary evolution.