Venus is considered to be tectonically active
While Venus lacks Earth-style plate tectonics, recent geophysical evidence and modeling of its lithosphere, coronae, and interior dynamics indicate that the planet experiences significant tectonic deformation and activity.
The claim that Venus is tectonically active is supported by multiple recent studies (e.g., papers 0, 4, 6) showing that Venus experiences significant tectonic deformation, crustal fracturing, and plume-lithosphere interactions, even though it does not feature Earth-like global plate tectonics (as discussed in paper 2).
Roger J. Phillips. A mechanism for tectonic deformation on Venus. 1986. https://doi.org/10.1029/gl013i011p01141
Paper [0] investigates the mechanisms driving intense tectonic deformation within the elastic lid of Venus.
Weller MB, Kiefer WS. The punctuated evolution of the Venusian atmosphere from a transition in mantle convective style and volcanic outgassing.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adn9861
Paper [2] notes that Venus currently lacks Earth-style plate tectonics, though it discusses past episodic tectonic regime transitions.
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De Toffoli B, Mazzarini F. Subsurface mechanical architecture of coronae on Venus and its implications for processes governing fractures and seismicity.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-02657-w
Paper [4] examines subsurface mechanical architecture and fracture populations on Venus, pointing to ongoing tectonic and seismic processes.
Cascioli G, Gülcher AJP, Mazarico E, Smrekar SE. A spectrum of tectonic processes at coronae on Venus revealed by gravity and topography.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adt5932
Paper [6] analyzes plume-lithosphere interactions and plate boundary-like processes at coronae on Venus, highlighting active geodynamics.
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