Inflatable ‘Evergreen’ dome settlements for Earth’s Polar Regions

Abstract

Sustaining human life in the Earth’s Polar Regions is very difficult especially during wintertime when low air temperature, strong wind and “whiteouts” make normal existence dangerous. To counter these environmental stresses, the authors offer the innovative artificial “Evergreen” dome, an inflated hemisphere with interiors continuously providing a Mediterranean Sea-like climate. The “Evergreen” dome theory is developed, substantiated by computations that show it is possible for current technology to construct and heat large enclosed volumes inexpensively. Specifically, a satisfactory result is reached by using sunlight reflectors and a special double thin film, which concentrates solar energy inside the dome while, at the same time markedly decreasing the heat loss to exterior Polar Region air. Someday, a similar design may be employed at settlements on the Moon and Mars.