Astronomy quiz question: Venus' lack of plate tectonics

Astronomy 210 Quiz 7, Fall Semester 2010
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Evidence that Venus does not have plate tectonics is:
(A) runaway greenhouse effect.
(B) no venusquakes detected by landers.
(C) no subduction zones nor midocean rises.
(D) no oceans.

Correct answer: (C)

Since the main features of plate tectonics are subduction zones and midocean rises, the lack of subduction zones and midocean rises on Venus is evidence of its lack of plate tectonics.

Section 70158
(A) : 6 students
(B) : 5 students
(C) : 29 students
(D) : 4 students

"Success level": 69% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.67