Arachnoid (astrogeology)
In astrogeology, an arachnoid Template:IPAc-en is a large geological structure resembling a spider web. They are of unknown origin, and have been found only on the surface of the planet Venus. They appear as concentric ovals surrounded by a complex network of fractures, and can span 200 kilometers. Over 90 arachnoids have been identified on Venus.[2]
Arachnoids could be related to volcanos, however it is also possible that different arachnoids are formed by different processes.[3] One possible explanation is that an upwelling of magma from the interior of the planet pushed up on the surface, causing cracks.[4] An alternate theory concerning their origin is that they are a precursor to coronae formation.[5]
Much of what is known about arachnoids is the result of studies performed by C.B. Dawson and L.S. Crumpler.[6]
See also
References
External links
This article incorporates text from a public-domain NASA website.
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ This article contains text from the Astronomy Picture of the Day [1]. As a work of the United States Federal Government, it is in the public domain.
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".