瑞士苏黎世联邦理工学院的研究团队利用高分辨率3D计算机模拟发现，金星表面的巨型裂谷可能比科学界长期以来认为的更加年轻，并且目前仍在持续扩张[1]。该发现表明金星内部的地质活动远比预期活跃，挑战了认为金星地质作用已停滞的传统观点[1]。
由Taras Gerya教授领导、Xi Yang为论文第一作者的研究团队，首次使用高分辨率3D计算机模拟成功再现了金星裂谷的结构特征[1]。研究显示，这些裂谷可能以每年3至10厘米的速度扩张[1]。模拟结果与美国Magellan探针在1990年代收集的观测数据保持一致[1]。相关研究成果已发表在《自然地球科学》期刊上[1]。
欧洲航天局的EnVision任务计划于2030年代初期发射，将对金星进行进一步研究[1]。
Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered evidence that Venus's massive rift valleys are likely much younger than previously believed and continue to expand today [1]. Using high-resolution 3D computer simulations, the team led by Professor Taras Gerya and first author Xi Yang found that Venus's interior remains far more geologically active than scientists have long assumed, challenging the conventional view that the planet's tectonic activity has stalled [1].
The simulations indicate that Venus's rifts may be expanding at a rate of 3 to 10 centimeters per year [1]. This marks the first application of such detailed computational modeling to reproduce the structure of Venusian rift valleys, with results matching observational data collected by the Magellan probe in the 1990s [1]. The findings have been published in the journal Nature Earth Science [1].
The European Space Agency's EnVision mission, scheduled for launch in the early 2030s, is expected to provide further investigation into Venus's geological activity [1].