This convinces me all the more that there IS microbial life on Mars.
These hydrothermal conditions are far harsher than anything on Mars. If life can persist here, it can persist on Mars.
Oh, yes, it almost certainly started on Mars during the warm and wet conditions that the planet experienced during its first billion years. Life, once begun, can adapt and survive under almost incredible challenges. It has here. It almost certainly has on Mars.
David F Mayer