Hell-World Venus May Have Once Had Oceans Across 90% of Its Hot, Dry Surface

A new study argues that Venus’s polygonal terrain, long channels, and wrinkle ridges may be better explained by ancient ocean processes than by volcanism.

Led by Richard Ghail, researchers reexamined NASA Magellan radar data and suggest Venus may once have had water across about 90% of its surface.

They also propose that thick salt deposits could remain from evaporated oceans, offering a new interpretation of Venus’s surface geology.

If confirmed, the findings would reshape views of Venus’s climate history and its potential past habitability, including whether life may once have existed there.