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Interesting post, Greg. The black areas are, as always intriguing. I can imagine communal life forms utilizing co2 and h2o ices along with sunlight for energy. The oft discussed lethal flood of uv is not a major concern... many earthly microorganisms use various organic pigments such as (pophyrins)as protection from uv, essentially "downshifting" the incoming uv light -- thus gaining energy and protecting sensitive internal structures. I wonder, IF these black stars, spots, streaks etc. are in some cases life forms - perhaps they are using the incoming solar radiation more efficiently(iR, vis, uv) -- thus energy levels approaching those useable<i></i> by earthly prokaryotes - even though Mars is obviously farther from the sun. I realize the majority of the black areas are regarded as some type of Hematite deposits (perhaps Hematite can be used as a protective pigment, and these deposits are partial evidence of life?)-- but the fibonacci branching, changing patterns, proximity to co2 and h2o of these black streaks (in craters at lower latitudes for example) sure make me wonder if they are alive. If info. has been withheld from us regarding something on Mars -- then the cover probably will come off in the upcoming years... too many probes are headed to Mars, the genie (if it exists) can't stay bottled up forever. Sorry for the rambling post, just always have these basic theories cross my mind (not to mention some earth bound ideas on ways to settle this debate!)when I see posts like the one you sent in. I enjoy reading the posts, if you can shoot this possible explanation full of holes(or suggest any alternatives!) -- go for it!
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I think hematitie itself is often formed by bacteria so that would be a positive step to find that here. In fact large deposits have already been found on Mars.
It wouldn't be surprising if this was liquid water, the temperature gets to at least -30C in summer on the pole and that's a more constant temperature since the sun doesn't set then. So some areas should get warmer, especially with dark material around to warm up.
It could also be ice from a warmer time in history when water pooled there and froze. The axial tilt of Mars regularly changes and when it gets large enough it is thought the CO2 on the poles could vaporize and the air pressure go up substantially. This would make water on the south pole a virtual certainty since it is so close at least even now.
Did you see the spiders I found almost next to the Viking 2 landing site?
