Martian Dust Storms

I have noted in other posts that sheltering in place during a Martian dust storm may not be the best option. This is due to the fact that some storms have lasted weeks and can cover the entire planet. 

In these situations, sheltering in place or an emergency shelter would become more of a rest stop than a long term shelter. Sheltering in a shelter would provide an escape from the small particles of dust being whipped up with wind speeds of 33 to 66 miles per hour.

It would also be able to provide emergency air and electrical top up, food and water, better communications with the main habitat and also overnight protection from the nighttime temperatures which can dip as low as -225 degrees Fahrenheit (-153 degrees Celsius) at the poles.

Planning to set up scientific excursions without first setting up emergency stations would be short sighted. Climbers ascending Mount Everest have the same problems as would Martian colonists and they set up as many as 5 camps to safely ascend. These camps also provide shelter from exposure, additional air tanks and other supplies, and act as overnight rest stops.



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