Pires, A., Miller, A. Z., Sauro, F., Gonzalez-Serricchio, A., Andrejkovičová, S., Gonzalez, Y., Moura, R., Freitas, L., Amorim, I. R., Barcelos, P., Nunes, J. C. & Chaminé, H. I. (2025). Caving Analog Systems as Promising New Environments for Geoengineering Research and Space Exploration: The 5Gs Approach. In: Çiner, A., Banerjee, S., Lucci, F., Radwan, A. E., Shah, A. A., Doronzo, D. M., Hamimi, Z. & Bauer, W. Recent Research on Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, Paleontology, Tectonics, Geochemistry, Volcanology and Petroleum Geology (pp.143-147). Springer, Cham
Caves and lava tubes offer ideal environments for testing and improving methodological approaches as natural space analogs and living laboratories. These underground environments hold natural records that help us understand the evolution of our planet. This research reflects on the relevance of lava tubes and caves as simulation sites for extraterrestrial exploration. This study will focus on the methodological approach used in Lanzarote (Canary Islands, Spain) and Selvagens Islands (Madeira, Portugal), as two space analog sites associated with astrobiology projects that demonstrated good practice and reliable science and can inspire other space-related programs. Finally, the lava tube system on Terceira Island (Azores) is presented for the first time in Portugal as a promising new experimental site for geoengineering research and space analog activities. The multisectoral and longitudinal investigations related to a geoengineering approach and the 5Gs project will leverage the unique geodiversity and biodiversity of Natal Cave. Lava tube habitats could ultimately enable the establishment of a sustainable human presence on the Moon or Mars.
