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If there is life on Mars today it is most likely to be in the
form of extremophiles, micro-organisms such as bacteria which
can gain energy from the reduction of carbon dioxide to methane
(which subsequently eventually finds its way into the atmosphere).
Such life could well be deep below the surface, protected from
the harsh oxidising conditions. On the surface, methane is readily
destroyed by chemical reactions so if it is detected, even at
very low levels, a continuous supply must be assumed.
Biological activity will be the most likely reason. Any methane
existing will be circulated in the atmosphere so we could
detect microbial activity from some other part of the planet,
even 1000km away - a truly global detection of life.
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Micro-organisms produce methane on Earth - in the guts of ruminant
animals, in termites, in anaerobic paddy fields, peat bogs and
during landfill decay - all of these sources contribute to the
minute concentration of methane in the Earth's atmosphere. |
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