Is the Venusian lithosphere subducting?

Abstract

Using data collected by the Magellan spacecraft, we are exploring the hypothesis that the cooler and more rigid outer layer of Venus (i.e., the lithosphere) is sinking (subducting) into the interior of Venus. If this process is occurring, it provides a mechanism for cooling the interior of Venus and also for recycling the lighter crustal rocks back into the interior. In addition, since subduction zones drive the plate tectonic motion on the Earth, evidence for lithospheric subduction on Venus raises the possibility of limited plate tectonic-like activity on Venus.