Ancient High-Energy Impacts May Have Fueled Venus' Volcanic Activity
In a groundbreaking new study, scientists have identified ancient high-energy impacts on Venus that may have helped to “fuel” its extreme climate and surface conditions. Published in the journal Nature Communications, the study reveals how an influx of meteorites and comets billions of years ago may have been responsible for the planet’s current hot, dry environment.
Using computer simulations, researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of Stuttgart were able to trace the history of Venus and its climate back to the ancient bombardment of meteorites and comets. They found that the impacts of these objects early in the planet’s history could have released large amounts of water vapor and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This would have had a significant impact on the climate, leading to the extreme temperatures and dry conditions seen today.
source: Phys.org