Alpha Site Maps

The images above depict the first and most suitable location for a potential colonization site, Site Alpha. We deemed Site Alpha as the most ideal site for future colonization due to factors such as:

The sparse amount of craters surrounding the site.
The relatively flat terrain as indicated by the geologic units present in the area. The geologic unit that this site is composed of is predominately the Arcadia Formation which is comprised of smooth plains with fresh lava flows.
The Aeolian materials present. The presence of Aeolian materials is good due to the fact that it helps with the soil’s fertility along with the mafic minerals from the lava flows which would be beneficial for potential agricultural practices.

However, there are some cons that come with the area as well. Because Site Alpha is at a high latitude, there will be lower temperatures, and since the area is relatively flat, the surrounding area does not have many sites of interest for research purposes.

Bravo Site Maps

The images above depict the second location for a potential colonization site, Site Bravo. Although it appears as though Site Bravo would make a good colonization site based on a first glance, there are factors that make this location not the most ideal place to establish a site such as:

The geologic units that primarily compose this site are from the Tharses Montes Formation which is a unit comprised of large shield volcanoes that are located on top of an active hot-spot. Because of this, this location is prone to volcanic eruptions which is not ideal for a potential colonization site.
There is a lot of tectonic activity in the area as evidenced by the hot-spot and the fact that there is an area towards the southeast corner of the map that is composed of young fractured material.

Although this location is not suitable for colonization, there are pros to the area such as the fact that this site is along the equator of Mars, there is a relatively sparse amount of craters in the area, and the volcanic and tectonic activity in the area would be beneficial for research purposes.

Cydonia Site Maps

The images above depict the third and least suitable location for a potential colonization site, Site Cydonia. We deemed that Site Cydonia would be the worst possible location for potential colonization due to factors such as:

The vast volume of craters that surround the site.
The site is located at a high latitude (higher than Site Alpha) which is indicative of colder temperatures that are not suitable for an ideal colonization site.
The complex lithology of the area makes for a difficult place to partake in agricultural practices which is detrimental for future denizens.

Although Site Cydonia is not at all suitable for colonization, it would make for a great research site due to factors because of other features that are located in the general vicinity such as the "Face of Mars" (third image).