Gravity anomalies on Venus

Abstract

Doppler radio tracking of the Pioneer Venus orbiter has provided gravity measures over a significant portion of Venus. Feature resolution is approximately 300–1000 km within an area extending from 10°S to 40°N latitude and from 70°W to 130°E longitude (≈200°). Many anomalies were detected, and there is considerable correlation with radar altimetry topography (Pettengill et al., this issue). The amplitudes of the anomalies are relatively mild and similar to those on the earth at this resolution. Calculations for isostatic adjustment reveal that significant compensation has occurred.