1. Evidence for large-scale strike-
slip faulting on Venus
Elissa Koenig
Atilla Aydin
Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Stanford University

2. INTRODUCTION:
There is strong evidence of tectonic activity on Venus in the form thrust faults, grabens, and strike-slip faults
Earlier studies suggest the surface of Venus was influenced by plate tectonics
New technologies have allowed a more detailed examination of surface features and give evidence to the Tectonic activity on Venus

3. Lavinia Planitia: Molpadia Linea:
high concentration of deformational features
consists of multiple fracture regimes indicating several tectonic events
orientation of fractures indicate tectonic history

4. Features associated with strike-slip faulting:
Compressional Features
Thrust Faults
Folds
Solution Surfaces
Tensile Features
Joints
Tail Cracks
Normal Faults

5. Terrestrial Examples of fracture patterns exhibited on Venus:

6. Lavinia Planitia:

7. Summary:
The features observed show significant horizontal motion across Lavinia Planitia
Lavinia Planitia overlies a down-welling mantle plume
Downwelling coupled to the lithosphere has formed Molpadia Linea
Multiple tectonic events have introduced structural heterogeneity into the Venutian crust which has in turn imparted rotation and horizontal motion into the normal, compressional forces associated with down-welling

8. Conclusion:
The surface features of Venus are influenced not by plate tectonics but rather by structural heterogeneity within the crust, which deflects the compressional forces and imparts a horizontal compression, thereby generating strike-slip faults