Why do lighter colors cover darker colors on Volcano Sapas Mons on Venus?

The correct choice highlights that young lava is brighter and flows over older lava, which effectively explains the observed surface geology of Sapas Mons on Venus. On planetary surfaces, the age of lava flows can often be determined by their color; younger lava tends to maintain a brighter appearance due to having a fresher, less weathered surface.

When volcanic activity occurs, newly erupted lava spreads out over the landscape, often flowing over and covering older lava flows, which may have darkened due to weathering processes or the accumulation of materials. This phenomenon is important in understanding the geological activity and history of a planet, as it allows scientists to interpret the sequence of volcanic events and age relationships of the surface materials.

The other options do not capture the specific relationship between lava age and color in this context. While older lava might seem like it should be darker due to weathering or ash deposits, the option that emphasizes the brightness of young lava provides a clearer picture of the process at work in the volcanic landscape of Venus.