Research on Modeling Unveils New Insights into Venus’ Crust

Planetary scientists initially believed that Earth’s outer crust would become thicker over time, particularly due to the perceived absence of forces pushing it back into the planet’s interior. However, researchers from Open University, NASA’s Johnson Space Center, and the Lunar and Planetary Institute suggest that processes involved in crustal transformation, centered around rock density and melting cycles, offer a different perspective.

The earth’s crust is rock-like and composed of massive, slowly migrating plates that fold and create faults through a process known as plate tectonics.

For instance, when two plates collide, a lighter plate can slide over a denser plate, forcing it downward towards the underlying mantle.

This phenomenon, referred to as subduction, plays a crucial role in regulating the thickness of the Earth’s crust.

As the rocks penetrate deeper into the planet’s interior, they undergo transformations due to increased temperature and pressure, a process known as metamorphosis, which is one contributing factor to volcanic activity.

“Conversely, Venus consists of a singular skin with no signs of subduction seen in Earth’s plate tectonics,” noted Justin Filibert, PhD, associate director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center for Astromaterial Research and Exploration Sciences.

Through modeling, Dr. Filibert and his team found that Venus’s crust averages about 40 km (25 miles) thick, with some areas reaching up to 65 km (40 miles).

“This is surprisingly thin compared to Earth’s conditions,” Dr. Filibert remarked.

“Our model suggests that as the crust thickens, it becomes so dense at the bottom that it either breaks off to merge with the mantle or heats up enough to melt.”

“Thus, while Venus lacks movable plates, its crust still goes through metamorphosis.”

“This finding marks a significant advancement in understanding geological processes and planetary evolution.”

“The breaking and melting of crustal materials can reintroduce water and elements back into the planet’s interior, fueling volcanic activity.”

“We are developing a new model for how materials are recycled within the planet, providing insights into the processes that can trigger volcanic eruptions of lava and gases.”

“It reshapes our understanding of how Venus’ geology, crust, and atmosphere interact.”

“The forthcoming phase involves gathering direct data on Venus’s crust to test and refine these models.”

“The extent of volcanic activity on Venus remains uncertain.”

“While we postulate numerous volcanic phenomena, research indicates a need for extensive data to validate our assumptions.”

Relevant survey findings will be published in the journal Nature Communications.

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J. Semprich et al. 2025. The thickness of the earth’s crust and the transformation of Venus as a driver for recycling. Nat Commun 16, 2905; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-58324-1