Venus is still geologically alive, new study reveals mantle activity beneath its surface

A groundbreaking study published in Science Advances has provided compelling evidence that Venus is still geologically active, with interior forces continuing to shape its surface — a finding that draws intriguing parallels with early Earth.

The discovery centers around mantle plumes — rising columns of hot, buoyant rock — that are deforming Venus’ crust from below. These geological features suggest that, far from being a dead planet, Venus is still very much alive beneath its hostile exterior.

Scientists have long been puzzled by how two planets with similar size and early water abundance took such drastically different paths. Earth flourished into a habitable world, while Venus transformed into an inhospitable landscape of extreme heat and pressure. But recent analysis of data from NASA's Magellan spacecraft — which mapped Venus over 30 years ago — indicates signs of ongoing geological change.

Researchers focused on coronae, the large, ring-like structures on Venus' surface. These formations are created when heated mantle material pushes upward, causing the surface to dome and eventually collapse into a circular depression.

"This gives valuable insight into subsurface motion," said Gael Cascioli, assistant scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Among the 75 coronae studied, 52 were found to be sitting above active mantle plumes — a finding Cascioli noted as “very hard to believe,” underscoring the surprise among scientists.

Co-lead researcher Anna Gulcher added that the geological processes observed are “similar to the Earth.” The research revealed that these coronae are concentrated in regions with thin crust and elevated thermal activity — indicators of a geologically active planet.

The thinness of Venus’ crust may also play a critical role.

Justin Filiberto from NASA’s Astromaterials Research Division explained that the crust, which is about 65 km thick, can break or melt under pressure. This vulnerability makes it easier for internal heat to affect the surface.

Notably, this crustal deformation could also be recycling interior materials — including water — which in turn may influence volcanic activity and even atmospheric shifts. This dynamic process is thought to “reset” the planet’s geology and climate systems.

Looking ahead, upcoming missions are expected to shed even more light on Venus' geological mysteries. NASA’s VERITAS and DAVINCI, along with ESA’s EnVision mission, are designed to deliver high-resolution data that will test and expand upon these new findings.

“These missions could change our understanding of Venus’ geology together with clues of the Earth’s past,” said Suzanne Smrekar, emphasising the potential for broader planetary insights.