What substance could potentially flow and pool on the surface of Venus?

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In summary, it is possible that Venus may have had liquid water on its surface in the past, but currently, due to its high surface temperature and pressure, it is unlikely for any substance to flow and pool on its surface in the same way water and liquid ethane do on Earth and Titan. However, substances such as lead and brimstone could potentially flow on Venus, but their density and high boiling points present challenges for them to flow and pool like rivers. Additionally, the viscosity of a fluid plays a crucial role in its ability to flow, and substances like lead would need to be heated in order to reduce their viscosity enough to flow freely.
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Terdbergler
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I realize that there are no lakes or rivers on Venus, but, given the surface temperature, pressure, etc. what substance COULD flow and pool on Venus the way water and liquid ethane flow and pool on the surfaces of Earth and Titan respectively?
 
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I don't know. Rivers of lead, maybe? :p It would be too dense to flow like a river, I guess. Unless the river is really steep
 
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It is certainly possible Venus may once have had liquid water on its surface before 'global warming' took over. Just about anything that melts, but, does not boil in the current Venusian environment could be present.
 
  • #4
M-TheorySUCKS said:
I don't know. Rivers of lead, maybe? :p It would be too dense to flow like a river, I guess. Unless the river is really steep

In the liquid state, lead flows quite readily. The rate of flow of a fluid is not connected so much to the density as to the viscosity of the fluid. For example, residual fuel oils have approximately the same density as water, but these oils must be heated in order to reduce their viscosity sufficiently to allow them to be pumped without expending a tremendous amount of power to do so.
 
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  • #5
Another problem is that molten lead, like quicksilver or bismuth, are dense - denser than rocks. They would squeeze into cracks in ground.

How about brimstone? Its boiling point at 1 bar is 444 degrees, but surface of Venus has 92 bar pressure, and the boiling point of brimstone rises to 1041 degrees at the critical point of 203 bar.
 

1. What is the current understanding of the presence of rivers and lakes on Venus?

Scientists have long believed that Venus is too hot and dry to support liquid water on its surface. However, recent studies have suggested that the planet may have had bodies of water in the past, and some evidence points to the possibility of occasional volcanic eruptions that could lead to the formation of temporary rivers and lakes on the surface.

2. How would rivers and lakes form on Venus?

Rivers and lakes on Venus would likely form through volcanic activity. Volcanic eruptions can release large amounts of water vapor into the atmosphere, which can then condense and fall as rain. This rain would then flow downhill and collect in low-lying areas, forming rivers and lakes.

3. What would the rivers and lakes on Venus be like?

The rivers and lakes on Venus would likely be very different from those on Earth. Due to the planet's extreme temperatures and atmospheric pressure, any liquid water would likely be very acidic and have a thick, syrupy consistency. The rivers and lakes would also be much smaller and shallower than those on Earth.

4. How would the presence of rivers and lakes on Venus impact the planet's habitability?

Despite the harsh conditions, the presence of rivers and lakes on Venus would have a significant impact on the planet's habitability. They could potentially provide a source of water for any potential life forms and could also play a role in regulating the planet's climate. However, further research is needed to determine if any life could survive in these extreme environments.

5. What future research is needed to better understand the rivers and lakes on Venus?

In order to gain a better understanding of the rivers and lakes on Venus, further research is needed. This could involve sending probes or landers to collect data and samples from the planet's surface, as well as conducting more detailed remote sensing observations. Scientists also hope to continue studying the planet's geology and climate to better understand how these factors may have played a role in the formation and maintenance of rivers and lakes on Venus.

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