Abstract
In terms of Ozima's model of argon degassing the Venus' model is presented based on Pioneer Venus and Venera space mission atmospheric composition data. The geochemical conclusions are obtained as following: the Venus' crust is presumably basaltic with potassium content lower than 0.5%; the exterior nonradiogenic36Ar contribution to the total argon inventory is estimated as at least 95%; almost complete argon degassing in the first 0.5 m.y. is supposed. The model is in agreement only with low volcanic productivity on Venus (<5 km3 yr−1).
This value is consistent with the assumption on the lithospheric conductivity as a dominating contribution to the heat losses of Venus' interior in contrast to the “hot spot” mechanism.
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Volkov, V.P., Frenkel', M.Y. The modeling of Venus' degassing in terms of K-Ar system. Earth Moon Planet 62, 117–129 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00572140
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00572140