Geochemistry of Venus and the interpretation of the radar data

A geochemical study of the interactions of the atmosphere and lithosphere of Venus predicts that a substantial mass of electrically conducting clouds may be present on the planet. Furthermore, the existence of a substantial abundance of gases capable of strong microwave absorption also seems probable. The possible effects of these phenomena on the microwave properties of the atmosphere are discussed in a qualitative manner, and it is concluded that, although models with surface pressures ranging from perhaps 30 to 140 bars may be reconciled with the radar data, models near the lower end of this range are more appealing from the standpoint of atmospheric chemistry and geochemical thermodynamics.