Paraterraforming is an approach to creating habitable environments on planets like Mars by enclosing parts of the planet’s surface in protective structures rather than altering the entire planet's atmosphere. It is considered a more feasible alternative to full terraforming, particularly for Mars. The Worldhouse is an extension of paraterraforming on a much larger scale,
Initial enclosures could serve as research hubs to study Mars' geology, climate, and potential for supporting life. Larger enclosures could provide homes for settlers, complete with ecosystems to support agriculture and water recycling. Enclosed spaces could host industries that require controlled environments, such as manufacturing or mining.
Paraterraforming has appeared in The Expanse, where domes and enclosed habitats are used on planets and moons.
Dome specs[]
- Large transparent domes or roof-like structures could cover valleys, craters, or flat regions of Mars. The enclosures could use strong, lightweight materials like graphene, high-strength glass, silica aerogel, or advanced polymers that can withstand the planet's low temperatures, radiation, and dust storms.
- Inside the enclosures, the air pressure would be increased to Earth-like levels, making it breathable for humans. The composition of the atmosphere within could mimic Earth's, with nitrogen, oxygen, and controlled levels of carbon dioxide.
- Solar mirrors or other heating mechanisms could warm the enclosed areas, compensating for Mars' cold environment. Heat would be trapped by the enclosure, reducing the need for constant energy input.
- The roofs could be designed to block harmful ultraviolet and cosmic radiation, which are significant hazards on Mars due to its thin atmosphere and lack of a magnetic field.
- Water from Mars' ice caps or underground reservoirs could be used inside the enclosures for irrigation and drinking. Plants could be grown to produce oxygen and food, contributing to a self-sustaining ecosystem.
Advantages[]
- It requires less energy and fewer resources than attempting to terraform the entire planet. Focusing on specific regions makes it faster to implement.
- Enclosed areas allow precise regulation of temperature, pressure, and gas composition. Shielding from Mars’ harsh weather and radiation can be optimized.
- Initial enclosures could start small (e.g., for research bases) and expand as technology and resources allow.
- Unlike terraforming, which would permanently alter Mars, paraterraforming projects can be dismantled or modified without global impact.
Challenges[]
- Building massive enclosures that can withstand meteor impacts, Mars' occasional seismic activity, and dust storms would be technically demanding.
- The need for durable, lightweight, and transparent materials could make initial construction costly and dependent on Earth-supplied resources.
- Maintaining pressure, temperature, and life support systems requires consistent energy sources, likely solar or nuclear.
- While scalable, expanding the enclosed area to support large populations or significant agricultural zones would still require extensive time and resources.
Internal paraterraforming on Mars[]
This involves creating habitats internally, using Mars’ natural caves or lava tubes as shelters, or excavating and reinforcing underground spaces to house human habitats and ecosystems. This is more achievable than global terraforming, requiring fewer resources and less energy. It protects inhabitants from harsh Martian conditions, including radiation, dust storms, and extreme cold.