Beta Regio is associated with a major rift system , and has what appears to be 2 shield volcanoes , about 5 km high. Venera 9 and 10 landed in this area. Basaltic volcanism may be responsible for smooth plains. Magnetosphere Magnetic field is at least 10,000 times weaker than Earth's. Slow rotation rate.
Solar wind can hit the atmosphere and cause the atmosphere to ionize .
Causes turbulence in atmosphere. Solar wind does not reach the planet's surface.