Exploring Venus as a Terrestrial Planet [Hardcover]

Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 176.

With the search for extra-solar planets in full gear, it has become essential to gain a more detailed understanding of the evolution of the other earth-like planets in our own solar system. Space missions to Venus, including the Soviet Veneras, Pioneer Venus, and Magellan, provided a wealth of information about this planet' enigmatic surface and atmosphere, but left many fundamental questions about its origin and evolution unanswered.

This book discusses how the study of Venus will aid our understanding of terrestrial and extra-solar planet evolution, with particular reference to surface and interior processes, atmospheric circulation, chemistry, and aeronomy. Incorporating results from the recent European Venus Express mission, Exploring Venus as a Terrestrial Planet examines the open questions and relates them to Earth and other terrestrial planets. The goal is to stimulate thinking about those broader issues as the new Venus data arrive.

Preface
Larry W. Esposito, Ellen R. Stofan, and Thomas E. Cravens vii

Exploring Venus: Major Scientific Issues and Directions
Larry W. Esposito, Ellen R. Stofan, and Thomas E. Cravens 1

Geochemistry of Venus’ Surface: Current Limitations as Future Opportunities
Allan H. Treiman 7

Surface Evolution of Venus
Alexander T. Basilevsky and George E. McGill 23

Tectonic and Thermal Evolution of Venus and the Role of Volatiles: Implications for Understanding the Terrestrial Planets
Suzanne E. Smrekar, Linda Elkins-Tanton, Johannes J. Leitner, Adrian Lenardic, Steve Mackwell, Louis Moresi, Christophe Sotin, and Ellen R. Stofan 45