Tessera

Definition

A tessera is a distinct, polygonal, tectonic block on the surface of the planet Venus. These features are unique to Venus and are believed to be the result of complex geological processes that have shaped the planet's surface over time. Tessera are found primarily in the highlands of Venus and are characterized by their complex, intersecting patterns of ridges and valleys, which give them a distinctive, 'tesselated' appearance. They are thought to be some of the oldest features on the Venusian surface, formed during the early stages of the planet's geological evolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tessera are the oldest and most tectonically complex features on the surface of Venus, with some estimated to be over 1 billion years old.
2. The formation of tessera is thought to be the result of compressional forces acting on the Venusian crust, leading to the development of the distinctive, intersecting ridge and valley patterns.
3. Tessera are typically found in the highlands of Venus, where the crust is thicker and more resistant to deformation, and are often associated with other tectonic features such as coronae and chasmata.
4. The unique geological processes that formed tessera on Venus are not observed on Earth, making them an important feature for understanding the differences between the two planets' geological histories.
5. The study of tessera provides insights into the early stages of Venus' geological evolution, as they represent some of the oldest and most complex features on the planet's surface.

Review Questions

• Describe the characteristic features of a tessera on the surface of Venus.
  • A tessera on the surface of Venus is a distinct, polygonal, tectonic block characterized by a complex, intersecting pattern of ridges and valleys. These features give the tessera a distinctive 'tesselated' appearance and are believed to be the result of compressional forces acting on the Venusian crust during the early stages of the planet's geological evolution. Tessera are typically found in the highlands of Venus, where the crust is thicker and more resistant to deformation.
• Explain the significance of tessera in understanding the geological history of Venus.
  • Tessera are considered to be some of the oldest and most tectonically complex features on the surface of Venus, with some estimated to be over 1 billion years old. The unique geological processes that formed tessera are not observed on Earth, making them an important feature for understanding the differences between the two planets' geological histories. By studying the formation and characteristics of tessera, scientists can gain insights into the early stages of Venus' geological evolution, including the tectonic and volcanic processes that have shaped the planet's surface over time.
• Analyze how the presence and distribution of tessera on Venus compare to tectonic features found on Earth, and discuss the implications for understanding planetary geology.
  • The presence and distribution of tessera on the surface of Venus are markedly different from the tectonic features observed on Earth. While Earth's surface is dominated by plate tectonics, with features such as mountain ranges, volcanoes, and ocean basins, Venus lacks active plate tectonics and exhibits a more uniform, 'stagnant lid' style of tectonics. The unique formation of tessera, with their complex, intersecting patterns of ridges and valleys, is not seen on Earth and suggests that the geological processes shaping Venus' surface have evolved differently from those on our planet. By studying the differences in tectonic features between Venus and Earth, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence planetary geology, such as the role of water, the presence of plate tectonics, and the overall thermal and compositional evolution of a planet. This knowledge can then be applied to the study of other planetary bodies in our solar system, helping to reveal the diversity of geological processes that can shape the surfaces of terrestrial planets.

Related terms

Coronae: Coronae are large, circular features on the surface of Venus that are thought to be the result of mantle upwelling and tectonic deformation.

Pancake Domes: Pancake domes are circular, flat-topped volcanic features found on the surface of Venus, formed by the eruption of highly viscous lava.

Chasmata: Chasmata are long, narrow, steep-sided valleys found on the surface of Venus, believed to be the result of tectonic rifting and crustal extension.