LAVA TUBES IN THE ALBA PATERA REGION OF MARS: FUTURE HUMAN HABITATS AND INCUBATORS OF LIFE?

High-resolution imagery was used in this research project to locate and assess lava tubes beneath the surface of Mars. Lava tubes are of great interest for future human exploration because they provide a protective environment from Martian dust storms, meteorites, and solar radiation. In addition, adapting lava tubes for human use requires minimal construction – they also provide relatively constant temperatures throughout the Martian day and night. Martian life, if it exists, may also find a safe haven in lava tubes, protected from the harsh Martian surface. For this study, I chose to focus on Alba Patera, a major shield volcano located in the Tharsis Region of Mars. Alba Patera exhibits a large number of lava channels and lava tubes and is located relatively close to other well-studied areas, such as Olympus Mons and the Tharsis volcanoes.

I examined 221 THEMIS images between 35-45ºN and 245-255ºE in the Alba Patera region. The region contains many simple craters that have the characteristics of fresh impacts. I calculated the minimum roof thickness of the uncollapsed lava tubes by using the relationship t = 2 • 0.26D^0.67, where t is the minimum roof thickness, and D is the crater diameter. More lava tube candidates were found than measured since uncollapsed segments with a superimposed crater were targeted in this study. Nine were identified.

Lava tubes ranged in length from 0.15-4.1 km, in width from 60-110 m, and roof thicknesses ranged from 100-200 m. The best lava tube candidates for human habitat include the following criteria: (1) Stability and construction: the shorter the uncollapsed segment the more stable, and minimal construction is needed, compared to long uncollapsed segments where heterogeneities could be encountered. Heterogeneous zones are more likely to collapse and would require additional materials to be placed within the lava tube for stability. Also, if the roof of shorter segments were to collapse, the distance to an opening would be minimal. (2) The number of rilles with uncollapsed lava tube roofs within the local area, and (3) the number of uncollapsed segments within a rille. For human exploration, it is important to have multiple possible habitats within a given region. (4) Traveling on the surface of Mars should be uncomplicated; therefore a relatively smooth topography within a region is ideal.