Re: Martian methane could come from rocks


George wrote:
> http://www.nature.com/news/2005/050531/full/050531-10.html
>
> A crucial test of the serpentinization theory is whether the Mars rovers
> find serpentine, says Oze. On the other hand, the measurement of carbon
> isotopes in the methane, slated for a Mars mission at the end of the
> decade, might prove that bacteria are the source.
>
Equally unsubstantiated is the hypothesis of volcanic origin
of methane. At least, here we have direct evidence of ancient
vulcanism, while the evidence for serpentine and bacteria is indirect.
http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mgs/msss/camera/images/6_10_99_tharsis/
John Curtis

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