I
am a third year graduate student working towards my Ph.D. in Structural
Geology. My current research is focused on Venus
and the processes that have contributed to the evolution of its surface
features. At the moment, I am mapping the V35 (Ovda
Regio) quadrangle. Mapping on Venus involves the utilization of Magellan
synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images, topography data, and gravity data
to identify and describe geologic units and structures. After identification,
study of the interplay between rock units and secondary structures will
provide a basis from which to propose a geologic history for the region.
The V35
quadrangle is located at 0 to -25 degrees latitude and 90 to 120 degrees
longitude. It includes portions of two crustal plateaus (eastern Ovda and
western Thetis), Inari (and other) coronae, numerous small volcanic edifices,
impact craters, extensive lava flows, and Kuanja chasma.
During my mapping I have become more interested in the
processes that occur at chasmata. Chasmata are elongate topographic
lows generally characterized by dense swarms of lineaments. These
lineaments have been interpreted as fractures and faults, however, many
of the lineaments within the chasmata appear to be the source of sheet
flow volcanism. Chasmata are also typically found in close proximity
to corona chains. Determining the degree of volcanism associated
with coronae and chasmata is now the focus of my work and initial findings
are intriguing. Stay tuned.
Click on Venus to check out all of the SAR V-maps!
If you have comments or suggestions, email me at lbleamas@mail.smu.edu
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