Life on Mars ?

The long term goal for the people of earth
is existence. Not withstanding innate evolutionary
changes. Will most likely need fuel if we are
unable to harness the sun's energy in any
decent short term fashion.

Mining Mars would be easier if we didn't have
to constantly wear suits etc. So an atmosphere
would seem the ideal solution.

The problem here is the amount of oxygen
in the atmosphere, and no highly toxic gases.

Now the planet could be oxygenated by plants
giving off oxygen as a by-product to their
breathing. Allowing for the soil having enough
positive nutrients they will need accessible water.

Even if heating up the poles of Mars is possible.
It took about 2 billion years for the earth's vegetation
to expel the 21% of oxygen we have today.
Layered in like the trees that created coal and oil.

Allowing for the breathing rate being slower on Mars,
with it's further distance from the sun. The question
must be, is there simply enough water on Mars for
vegetation to convert into oxygen? There having to
be enough water for a couple of billion years, or more.

We are water world, Mars is not.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4144886.stm
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