Venus’ Fiery Secret: How a thin crust could be fueling invisible volcanoes

Produced by: Manoj Kumar

Crust Shock

NASA-funded research reveals Venus’ crust is thinner than thought—averaging just 25 miles—challenging long-held beliefs about its stagnant surface.

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Meltdown Cycle

Venus’ lower crust becomes so dense it melts or breaks off, recycling material into the mantle—a process that may fuel hidden volcanic activity.

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Silent Shifts

Though tectonic plates are absent, Venus still reshapes itself through heat-driven metamorphism deep beneath its unified, unbroken crust.

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Earth-Like Echoes

This crustal recycling mimics Earth’s mantle dynamics, suggesting Venus’ internal processes are more Earth-like than previously imagined.

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Veiled Volcanoes

The study proposes that Venus’ volcanic eruptions might be triggered by these melting crust zones, offering a hidden explanation for its fiery surface features.

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Atmosphere Clues

Volcanic gases like CO₂ and water vapor from these underground events may still seep into Venus’ atmosphere, shaping its harsh climate.

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Core Puzzle

Despite its hostile surface, Venus might hide Earth-like geological recycling systems—raising new questions about planets without tectonics.

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Data Gap

Scientists still lack direct proof of current eruptions on Venus, but models suggest its volcanoes might be active—and deceptively quiet.

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Future Focus

NASA’s findings hint at complex volcanic cycles on Venus, underscoring the need for new missions to unlock its subterranean mysteries.

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