From Birger Johansson
With regard to the exploration of Mars, Peter Spencer suggested using
volcanic lava tubes as shelters (Letters, 28 February 1998, p 52), since they
would be easy to seal from the near-vacuum of the surface, providing a large
living space with a minimum of construction effort.
With the possible discovery of ice hidden under the ash and lava of the
Martian volcanoes (This Week, 13 March, p 18) this idea seems even more
attractive. Future explorers may find both plentiful water and the physical
framework for a permanent base near the volcanic massifs.
Umeå, Sweden
