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Chapter 11: Problem 23

What is flake tectonics? Why does Venus exhibit flake tectonics rather than plate tectonics?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Flake tectonics is a geological phenomenon where the lithosphere of a planet breaks into small pieces, or 'flakes', that interact with each other. It differs from plate tectonics, where the lithosphere breaks into larger plates. Venus exhibits flake tectonics instead of plate tectonics due to its more uniform and less fragmentary lithosphere that lacks conditions such as plate boundaries and seafloor spreading zones required for plate tectonics.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Flake Tectonics

Flake tectonics refers to the geological phenomena where the lithosphere, the rigid outermost shell of a terrestrial planet, breaks into small pieces or 'flakes' that move and interact with each other. This tectonic activity is a significant process in shaping the crust of a planet.
02

Definition of Plate Tectonics

Plate tectonics is another geological phenomenon where the Earth's lithosphere is broken into large pieces or 'plates'. These plates move and interact due to the convective forces in the underlying mantle layer, leading to the creation of tectonic features like mountains, ocean trenches, and volcanoes.
03

Comparison between Flake and Plate Tectonics

The main difference between flake and plate tectonics lies in the size of the pieces that the lithosphere is broken into. In flake tectonics, the lithosphere breaks into many smaller pieces or 'flakes', whereas, in plate tectonics, the lithosphere is broken into larger 'plates'.
04

Tectonics on Venus

On Venus, the tectonic activity is characterized by the lithosphere breaking into smaller pieces, which is indicative of flake tectonics. This is because Venus lacks the conditions necessary for plate tectonics. Specifically, it lacks plate boundaries and seafloor spreading zones. Instead, it has a more uniform and less fragmentary lithosphere that breaks into smaller pieces, exhibiting flake tectonics.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Describe the evidence that there has been recent volcanic activity (a) on Venus and (b) on Mars.

In 1978 the Pioneer Venus Orbiter spacecraft arrived at Venus. It carried an ultraviolet spectrometer to measure the chemical composition of the Venusian atmosphere. This instrument recorded unexpectedly high levels of sulfur dioxide and sulfuric acid, which steadily declined over the next several years. Discuss how this observation suggests that volcanic eruptions occurred on Venus not long before Pioneer Venus Orbiter arrived there.

Compare the volcanoes of Venus, the Earth, and Mars. Cite evidence that hot- spot volcanism is or was active on all three worlds.

Why is it impossible for liquid water to exist on Mars today? If liquid water existed on Mars in the past, what must have been different then?

Do Venus and Mars have continents like those on Earth?
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