Tectonic

Definition

Tectonic refers to the structure and movement of a planet's lithosphere, which includes its crust and upper mantle. These movements can lead to various geological features and activities such as mountain formation, earthquakes, and volcanism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. On Venus, tectonic activity is primarily driven by mantle plumes rather than plate tectonics like on Earth.
2. Venus lacks the large-scale plate tectonics observed on Earth, resulting in a different geological landscape.
3. The surface of Venus shows evidence of past tectonic activity through features like rift valleys and coronae formations.
4. Venusian tectonics contribute to the planet's volcanic activity, with numerous volcanoes dotting its surface.
5. Tectonic processes on Venus are believed to be influenced by its thick atmosphere and high surface temperatures.

Review Questions

• What drives tectonic activity on Venus if not plate tectonics?
• How do the tectonic features on Venus differ from those on Earth?
• What role do mantle plumes play in the geology of Venus?

Related terms

Mantle Plumes: Upwellings of abnormally hot rock within the Earth's or another planet's mantle that can cause volcanic activity.

Rift Valleys: A lowland region formed by the movement of Earth's or another planet's crustal plates away from each other.

Coronae: Circular or oval-shaped features formed by upwellings of molten rock beneath a planet’s surface, common on Venus.