Research Status of Lava Tube Exploration in the Solar System

Abstract

Lava tubes, formed by the flow and cooling processes of volcanic lava, have been discovered on the surface of several heavenly bodies in the solar system and have become a window into the volcanic activity and thermal history of Earth-like planets. At the same time, lava tubes have extremely important scientific and engineering applications because of their thermostatic and radiation-proof interiors, which are also natural shelters for future human exploration activities or extraterrestrial survival. In this paper, the formation mechanism, detection and identification methods of lava tubes, and the distribution of lava tubes on the surface of different heavenly bodies in the solar system were summarized, the scientific significance and application prospects of lava tube detection were discussed. It was proposed that the Earth’s lava tubes are the most important objects for planetary lava tube analogical studies and detection, and the theory and methodology of the analogical studies of lava tubes were introduced, to provide theoretical basis and simulation experimental support for future exploration of extraterrestrial lava tubes.

Keywords

lava tubes / volcanic activity / solar system / planetary exploration