Dali Chasma
Encyclopedia
The Dali and Diana Chasma system consist of deep troughs that extend for 7400 kilometres (4,598.2 mi) and are very distinct features on Venus
. Those chasma connect the Ovda Regio
and Thetis Regio highlands with the large volcanoes at Atla Regio and thus are considered to be the "Scorpion Tail" of Aphrodite Terra
. The broad, curving scarp resembles some of Earth
's subduction zones where crustal plates are pushed over each other. The radar-bright surface at the highest elevation along the scarp is similar to surfaces in other elevated regions where some metallic mineral such as pyrite
(fool's gold) may occur on the surface.
Venus
Venus is the second planet from the Sun, orbiting it every 224.7 Earth days. The planet is named after Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty. After the Moon, it is the brightest natural object in the night sky, reaching an apparent magnitude of −4.6, bright enough to cast shadows...
. Those chasma connect the Ovda Regio
Ovda Regio
Ovda Regio is a region on Venus that forms the western part of Aphrodite Terra. Magellan images show a complex surface, with several generations of structures. A pervasive fabric of irregular broad domes and ridges and associated curvilinear valleys was flooded by lava, then fractured...
and Thetis Regio highlands with the large volcanoes at Atla Regio and thus are considered to be the "Scorpion Tail" of Aphrodite Terra
Aphrodite Terra
Aphrodite Terra is a highland region on Venus, near the equator. It is about the same size as Africa, and much rougher than Ishtar Terra.The surface appears buckled and fractured which suggests large compressive forces. There are also numerous extensive lava flows. Channels cross this terrain and...
. The broad, curving scarp resembles some of Earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
's subduction zones where crustal plates are pushed over each other. The radar-bright surface at the highest elevation along the scarp is similar to surfaces in other elevated regions where some metallic mineral such as pyrite
Pyrite
The mineral pyrite, or iron pyrite, is an iron sulfide with the formula FeS2. This mineral's metallic luster and pale-to-normal, brass-yellow hue have earned it the nickname fool's gold because of its resemblance to gold...
(fool's gold) may occur on the surface.