IGPP is pleased to invite you to a Special Seminar featuring Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology senior research scientist Sue Smrekar. Dr. Smrekar's talk, "Venus: A Once and Future Earth?" will occur at 3pm WEDNESDAY June 12, 2024.
Time: 3:00 pm, Pacific Time
Location: Revelle Conference Room
Abstract: With its 460°C surface temperature and sulfuric acid rain, Venus is often referred to as Earth’s evil twin. The ultimate goal of studying Venus is understanding how and why the two rocky planets with such similar bulk characteristics evolved so differently. Venus’ current massive greenhouse keeps its lithosphere hot and likely weak, like that of early Earth. Venus exhibits features that may be analogs of Earth’s continents and subduction initiation processes. Many models exist for the formation of these essential elements of Earth’s evolution, but the lack of data from billions of years inhibits agreement. Venus’ young surface lacks significant erosion and offers opportunities to study these processes and potentially determine the necessary conditions for their formation. This talk will highlight several recent studies of these processes and give an overview of coming Venus missions.