ROCK CYCLE
1. Igneous Rock Formation
Magma rises from the planet's mantle and erupts onto the surface, forming igneous
rocks such as basalt and andesite.
Lava flows and volcanic eruptions cover large areas, creating vast volcanic plains and
shield volcanoes.
2. Weathering and Erosion
High temperatures, corrosive gases, and sulfuric acid contribute to chemical weathering
and erosion.
Rocks on the surface are broken down and eroded by the corrosive environment and
strong winds.
3. Sediment Transport
The erosional products, such as rock fragments and dust, can be transported by high-
velocity winds.
These sediments may be carried across the planet's surface and deposited in other
locations through wind-driven processes.
4. Sedimentary Rock Formation
Sediments that accumulate over time may undergo lithification, a process of compacting
and cementing, to form sedimentary rocks.
5. Metamorphism
Venus has a high internal heat, which can lead to metamorphism of rocks.
Under extreme temperatures and pressures, existing rocks can undergo metamorphic
changes, transforming into new rock types such as marble or gneiss.
6. Melting and Recrystallization
If subjected to intense heat and pressure, either through volcanic activity or tectonic
forces, rocks on Venus can melt and recrystallize, restarting the cycle.
The molten rock (magma) can rise to the surface and erupt, starting the process of
igneous rock formation once again.
ROCKS ON VENUS
Basalt
The lithosphere of Venus consists of a mixture of sedimentary rocks and igneous rocks.
The rocks on Venus are a dull gray but sunlight filtered by the thick atmosphere gives them a
yellow tint.
One of the dominant volcanic rock types commonly observed on the surface of the Earth in lava
flows in Hawaii, the ocean seafloor and Iceland.
This important compositional information of the Venus’ surface is revealed by Soviet’s Venera
Missions (circa 1981).
There have only been a handful of missions to study Venus' surface and geology because
observing the surface is difficult due to the atmosphere blocking most visible to near-infrared
light, thus list of rock types in this planet is yet to be discovered.
This Venera 13 color photo shows plates of rock thought to be basalt, with dark soil between some of them.
The lower photo has been corrected to show the color of the surface as it would appear under direct
sunlight. This site is probably typical of the plains on Venus.
Minerals in Venus
Previous science explorations show no direct evidence of any specific minerals
on the surface or in the atmosphere of Venus. However, based on observations from
spacecraft and remote sensing instruments, scientists believe that the surface of Venus
is covered in volcanic rocks, including basalt, andesite, and with the following minerals:
Sulfur: A common mineral on Venus, found in the form of sulfuric acid clouds in the
planet's atmosphere.
Hematite: Is an iron oxide mineral that has been detected on the surface of Venus. It
gives a reddish color to certain areas of the planet.
Magnetite: An iron oxide mineral with magnetic properties, has also been detected on
Venus. It can be found in the form of fine-grained particles.
Sulfides: Various sulfide minerals, such as pyrite (iron sulfide) and chalcopyrite (copper
iron sulfide), are believed to be present in Venus' crust.
Carbonates: Including calcite and dolomite, have been suggested to exist on Venus.
They could potentially be formed through the interaction of Venus' atmosphere with
surface rocks.
Quartz: A common mineral on Earth, has not been directly detected on Venus.
However, its presence is hypothesized due to the similarities between Venus and Earth
in terms of geologic processes.
SAMPLE LAYOUT
(Pwedeng panlagay sa taas nong minerals, parang pinaka note, bago yung second pic)