What geological feature thought to aid Earth's internal cooling and core convection is notably absent on Venus?
Answer
Plate tectonics
The geological context provides clues about Venus's long-term internal dynamics. Earth utilizes plate tectonics—the movement and recycling of its lithosphere—which is a highly efficient mechanism for cooling the mantle. This mantle cooling, in turn, helps maintain the temperature gradient necessary to drive vigorous convection in the underlying outer core, thus fueling the dynamo. The absence of plate tectonics on Venus means it lacks this key thermal regulator, which might contribute to slowing down or stopping the specific, vigorous, organized convection needed in the deep core to sustain a magnetic field over geologic timescales.
Related Questions
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