LOCATION

The concept relies heavily on the natural characteristics of the Martian surface. Nili Patera Dune Field complements our concept of imitating sand dunes and using the deposition of Martian Regolith on top of our habitat as protection from the Galactic Cosmic Rays and other radiation.

The location consists of Barchant Dunes that are found within a crater in Nili Patera. The dunes lie on top of solidified lava beds which indicate a location with rich minerals such as basalt rocks and molten silver. The soil is also reliable for food production as impact glass has been found beneath the surface. The location is also abundant with water , about 4% in mass in the first meter of ground is water.

The Barchant Dunes are a result of one-directional wind due to which sand accumulates and forms dunes. The Aerodynamic shape of the dunes allows for wind to naturally flow and for soil to deposit; this would be the core of our design concept.