Martian Methane May Come From Rocks

Posted by Zonk on Sunday June 5, 2005 @05:23PM from the as-opposed-to-critters dept.

An anonymous reader writes "When methane was found in the Martian atmosphere last year, some scientists thought this was indirect evidence of methane-producing bacteria. But minerals such as olivine can create methane in a process known as serpentinization. Geologists calculated that a global, 50-centimetre-thick layer of olivine could account for the methane. One geologist said, 'I'd love to see bugs, but you can't just go on hope. You have to consider the geological options.' Other scientists are unsure whether methane on Mars even exists."

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50... What? by iamatlas · 2005-06-05 23:46 · Score: 0, Flamebait

Centimeters? What is this obscure method of measurement?
Next thing you know, Slashdot will be giving measurements in spans, or stone throws. Hey, Slasdot! I'm in the God Damned USA here, how about some frickin inches, eh?