- Venus is extremely hot and dry on its surface. But scientists believe it contained much more water, perhaps even oceans.
- Large networks of polygonal cracks cover the surface of Venus in low-lying areas. A new study says they may have formed in seafloor mud as water evaporated.
- This is still a hypothesis until now. But it may support other studies that assume the existence of ancient oceans on Venus.
Polygonal cracks on Venus: how did they form?
Much of the surface of Venus is covered Long cracks. Scientists are still debating how it was formed. One possible explanation is volcanic rock that cooled and contracted to form cracks. But there is another – and more exciting – possibility. Some cracks may have formed in the seafloor mud. This is what a team of researchers from the University of London and Imperial College in the United Kingdom have found He says In a new paper entitled The Lost Oceans of Venus.
These wide, polygonal cracks are found in low-lying regions of Venus. They look very similar to those found in seafloor mud on Earth. Thick layers of water-saturated clay are buried, compressed and squeezed until they dry out over time. Did the same thing happen on Venus?
Interesting Peer review And the results were published in Earth and planetary sciences letters On July 29, 2026.
6 types of cracks
Venus revolves around the Sun at a distance of one step from Earth. Its cloud-covered surface has created a runaway greenhouse effect on the planet, bringing its surface temperatures to an average of about 464 °C (867 °F). So the surface temperature of Venus is hot enough to melt lead! As a result, we tend to think of Venus as an extremely hot world on its surface, and it is also known to have volcano-like features. But oceans on Venus? Could it happen?
Cracks may be evidence that this is possible.
There are different types of cracks present on the surface of this neighboring world. One of them is made up of polygonal shapes, in the low plains. Each polygon is about 1 to 2 kilometers (0.6 to 1.2 miles) wide. The researchers then divided these polygons into six distinct types. Overall, they say, the patterns resemble cracks in a dry seafloor more than cracks formed by volcanoes.
Similar cracks can be found on the ground in Mediterranean Sea. A long time ago, approximately 6 million years ago, it dried up almost completely. As the water gradually evaporated, it left behind thick salt deposits and fissures, like what we see on Venus.
In addition, there are also long and winding canals on Venus called Channels By scientists. For several years, scientists believed that flowing lava formed it. But they also resemble channels carved into the sea floor.
In addition, the wrinkled ridges of the lowlands may lie above salt deposits, similar to those found on Earth.
The debate continues
These researchers have presented an interesting, even compelling, scenario. But there is no evidence yet of an ancient ocean on Venus. This will require further study to confirm whether this is not the case.
Some other studies were questionable About the long-lost oceans of Venus.
So the debate will continue until conclusive evidence of ancient oceans on Venus is found. This may require future missions that study the surface and atmosphere in unprecedented detail.
In another recent study, researchers said Discover concentric rings In the atmosphere of Venus, above thick cloud layers. Rings are actually waves or ripples, but very similar to rings!
Bottom line: Huge, sprawling cracks on Venus have long puzzled scientists. A new study points to polygonal shapes formed by the drying of clay on the ancient sea floor.
Source: The Lost Oceans of Venus
Read more: Venus’ rings were found high above the planet’s dense clouds
Read more: Water in Venus’ clouds is surprisingly abundant, new study says
