Discovery Of Dark Oxygen:
Scientists reported an unknown process is producing oxygen deep in the world’s oceans, where photosynthesis can’t occur due to the lack of sunlight.
- This discovery is significant because oxygen supports marine life and suggests that there may be previously unknown ecosystems.
- Scientists observed an unexpected increase in oxygen concentration in some areas of the abyssal zone (where sunlight is extremely low and insufficient for photosynthesis).
- Researchers noted that this finding represents a new source of oxygen where photosynthesis does not occur, and termed it as ‘dark oxygen’.
- Typically oxygen is provided by the ‘Great Conveyor Belt’, a global circulation system which should decrease without local production, as small animals consume it.
- One hypothesis for oxygen production is that polymetallic nodules are transporting electric charges that split water molecules, releasing oxygen.
- Polymetallic nodules are lumps of iron, manganese hydroxides, and rock found on the ocean floor.
- However, the exact energy source for the nodules’ ability to produce oxygen remains unclear.
- The study was conducted in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone Region off Mexico’s west coast.
- The Zone is noted for having the highest concentration of polymetallic nodules in the world.
