Caves

several black spots near Arsia Mons, suspected to be caves

cave with sunlit wall

Natural Caves have been found near the volcano Arsia Mons on Mars.

The caves might be a possible location to establish a human settlement. Probably they can be re-constructed to become big habitats. The caves provide shelter and plenty of space for housing. They could, perhaps, also be a source for water and rare minerals.

Nadine Barlow said: "Caves on Mars could be good places for long-term ice accumulation and that would make them ideal locations to look for life on Mars as well as valuable reservoirs for water to support future human exploration of the planet."

Open Issue

• Is there a danger to occupy volcanic caves for human settlements due to possible volcanic activity?

External links

• ScienceDaily: Are These Caves On Mars?
• ScienceDaily: NASA Orbiter Finds Possible Cave Skylights On Mars