[Wonder Warthog]

"..that fluctuated between being very acidic and arid — conditions that were probably unfavorable to life."

Being acidic is no barrier to life. Lots of critters seem to do fine in the immediate vicinity of "black smokers" in the ocean depths where the pH is quite low.

[Tinman73]

Being acidic is no barrier to life. Lots of critters seem to do fine in the immediate vicinity of "black smokers" in the ocean depths where the pH is quite low.

I was just going to mention this. Primordial Earth was that way.

I main problem I have is the Volcanic activity mentioned. Since there is a low magnetic activity, I don't see Mars as a "live" planet now (Magma movement in the core).

What could of happened to stifle that ? One theory was an asteroidal impact so large that is caused the atmosphere to be stripped and the internal magma to cool drastically causing a cooling "chain reaction" in the core.

It rotates with a 24.6 hour day, But could of it been spinning faster pre impact to cause the tidal forces for a "hot" core being slowed by the massive impact ?

Sorry, I don't know, I wasn't there at the time :)

I think We should get off this "rock" We are on before something is digging up "The golden Arches" ages from now wondering Why the Burgers are still fresh. (from a previous post).

[Ursus arctos horribilis]

Bacteria thrive at tremendous pressures and high heat in a H2s environment deep within the earth.

To many are hung up on the idea it takes, water, green and O2 to support life. Life in many forms is much more tenacious than we can even conceive.