Themis Regio, Venus: Evidence for recent (?) volcanism from VIRTIS data

Abstract

Themis Regio is interpreted to be a hotspot rise underlain by one or more mantle plumes. Many volcanic features in the Themis region have high emissivity anomalies in Venus Express Visible and Infrared Thermal Imaging Spectrometer (VIRTIS) data. Other high emissivity anomalies have been found to correspond to volcanic flows interpreted to be relatively recent (Smrekar et al. [2010a] Science 328, 605–608). Similarly, at Themis the majority of the high emissivity anomalies closely correspond to flows associated with coronae and volcanic edifices, consistent with the interpretation that they represent recent volcanism. These volcanic features also have negative Bouguer gravity anomalies indicating low density at depth, consistent with hot mantle upwellings leading to pressure release melting. In addition, several volcanic features at Themis have low emissivity anomalies, suggestive of more evolved compositions. Combining geologic mapping data with gravity and emissivity data provide support that Themis is an active hotspot swell, with associated long-lived, volcanoes and coronae that are likely associated with small-scale upwellings.