Researchers Discover ‘Dark Oxygen’ Production on Seafloor

Recent research published in Nature Geoscience has uncovered the production of a novel form of oxygen, dubbed “dark oxygen,” on the deep-ocean floor—challenging long-standing scientific beliefs about oxygen production on Earth. Traditionally, it was believed that oxygen on Earth was primarily generated by photosynthetic organisms like plants and algae.  This study shows a different way to get air in places with no light, like on the ocean floor.

Discovery Details

Researchers made the finding while working in the Clarion–Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean. At first, they thought their sensors were broken because they were getting strange oxygen readings. Findings that were constant over a decade showed that oxygen levels below 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) were steadily rising.

Research Methodology

The team used different electrical tests to make sure what they had found was true. They tested their results with different kinds of sensors, which eventually proved that oxygen production can happen in dark places.

Significance of Polymetallic Nodules

In polymetallic nodules, which are mineral layers full of metals like cobalt, nickel, and lithium, “dark oxygen” comes from. These nodules are interesting because they could be mined, but they may also be very important for aerobic sea life to survive.

About Dark Oxygen

The word “dark oxygen” isn’t well known, but oxygen is needed for many things to happen. In space, oxygen is found in dark molecular clouds, which is also where stars are made. Hypoxia means “low oxygen,” which can hurt sea life in some areas. The past of Earth’s climate can be seen in oxygen isotopes (O-16, O-18). The climate changed because of the Great Oxygenation Event, which made complex life possible. Respiratory illnesses can be helped by oxygen therapy. There are some bacteria that can live in places with little air. Liquid oxygen is used as rocket fuel. Diatomic oxygen (O2) comprises 21% of Earth’s atmosphere.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2024

Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs