TubeX aims to develop an exploration and characterization strategy for lava tubes using a combination of field portable instruments and geophysical techniques including GPR, seismic, magnetic, gravity, and handheld X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). This project which is funded by NASA, proposed to both investigate the combination of these field technologies in the development of a strategy for the exploration of lava tube and pit-rich environments as well as to advance GPR processing techniques in an effort to aid in detailed characterization of these subsurface features. Lava tubes can offer protection for human crews and their equipment on other solar system bodies, in particular from radiation threats and extreme surface temperatures. Developing strategies to survey regions of other terrestrial bodies (such as the Moon or Mars) for tubes suitable for potential habitation will likely become an important part in planning future space exploration projects.

TubeX data collection at LBNM took place in two phases in April-May 2017 and September 2018. In total, the two campaigns acquired ~8.4 km of GPR data over Valentine Cave, Skull Cave, Hercules Leg, Indian Well, Natural Bridge, Incline, and Ship & Dinghy lava tubes.

TubeX Team