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Types of Tessera Terrain

Tessera terrain is represented by three distinct sub-types, defined by their structural morphology.

Subparallel Ridged Terrain

Subparallel ridged terrain contains numerous subparallel ridges and troughs, along with intersecting lineations. Despite its similarity to "banded terrain", another non-tessara terrain on Venus, it can be differentiated by the large amount of lineations that disrupt the subparallel ridges, a feature that is absent in the banded terrain. The Fortuna Tessera contains the best example of this type of tessera terrain.

Trough and Ridge Terrain

Trough and ridge terrain is characterized by troughs that have ridges and valleys oriented orthogonal to them. The troughs in this terrain can be either narrow (~10km) or broad (~50km), although the spacing between the troughs is typically greater than 30km regardless of their size. The ridge and valley structures that cross-cut the troughs are smaller and more closely spaced. This close spacing gives this type of tessera terrain a recognizable corrugated look, which is best seen in the Laima Tessera and the Mashkenet Tessera.

Disrupted Terrain

Disrupted terrain is the most common type of tessera terrain. It is characterized by multiple structural elements, including lineations, grooves, troughs, and ridges. Disrupted terrain appears more erratic than subparallel ridged and trough and ridge terrains, due to its lack of continuous ridges. These areas record multiple forms of deformation, including compressional, extensional, and shear. This type of tessera terrain can be found in all of the large regions of tessera, and in many of the smaller tessera regions.