New source of Oxygen found in deep sea
Researchers discovered a mysterious oxygen source on the Pacific Ocean floor, suggesting polymetallic nodules may catalyze oxygen production, raising concerns about deep-sea mining's ecological impact and the origins of life.
Read original article
A significant discovery has been made on the sea floor of the Pacific Ocean, where researchers found a mysterious source of oxygen at depths where sunlight is absent, making photosynthesis impossible. This phenomenon was observed in the Clarion–Clipperton Zone, an area rich in polymetallic nodules, which may catalyze the splitting of water molecules to produce oxygen. The study, published in Nature Geoscience, suggests that this could represent an alternative source of oxygen on Earth, with implications for understanding the origins of life and the potential impacts of deep-sea mining.
During fieldwork, researchers noted that oxygen concentrations in enclosed microcosms on the sea floor increased, contrary to expectations. This unexpected finding was confirmed in subsequent studies, leading to the hypothesis that the nodules might act as catalysts in a chemical reaction that produces oxygen. Laboratory tests indicated that these nodules could generate oxygen, but the source of energy driving this process remains unclear. The nodules exhibited voltage differences that could potentially facilitate the reaction, although further investigation is needed to understand the exact mechanisms involved.
The discovery raises important questions about the ecological significance of these oxygen-producing processes and the potential consequences of deep-sea mining, which could disrupt ecosystems reliant on this oxygen. Researchers emphasize the need for mapping oxygen production areas before any mining activities commence to protect these unique environments.
Related
In a seafloor surprise, metal-rich chunks may generate deep-sea oxygen
Metal-rich nodules on the seafloor are producing oxygen, challenging assumptions about deep-sea oxygen sources. This discovery could impact deep-sea ecosystems and calls for further research on its implications.
Metallic minerals on the deep-ocean floor split water to generate 'dark oxygen'
Researchers, led by Northwestern University's Franz Geiger, found deep-sea metallic minerals can generate oxygen, challenging photosynthesis as the sole source. Polymetallic nodules act as "geobatteries," producing oxygen through electrolysis. Deep-sea mining risks disrupting this vital process.
Dark oxygen in depths of Pacific Ocean could force rethink about life
Scientists found "dark oxygen" from metallic lumps in the Pacific Ocean's depths, challenging oxygen production assumptions. These nodules generate oxygen in darkness, rich in metals, with potential implications for life origins.
Mystery oxygen source discovered on the sea floor – bewildering scientists
Researchers found a new oxygen source on the Pacific Ocean floor linked to polymetallic nodules. This discovery raises questions about deep-sea ecosystems and mining impacts. The nodules catalyze water molecule splitting, potentially aiding catalyst development and astrobiology.
Mystery oxygen source discovered on the sea floor – bewildering scientists
Researchers found a mysterious oxygen source on the Pacific Ocean floor, unrelated to photosynthesis. Polymetallic nodules create 'dark oxygen' by splitting water molecules, challenging scientific understanding and raising concerns about deep-sea mining.
0 commentsRelated
In a seafloor surprise, metal-rich chunks may generate deep-sea oxygen
Metal-rich nodules on the seafloor are producing oxygen, challenging assumptions about deep-sea oxygen sources. This discovery could impact deep-sea ecosystems and calls for further research on its implications.
Metallic minerals on the deep-ocean floor split water to generate 'dark oxygen'
Researchers, led by Northwestern University's Franz Geiger, found deep-sea metallic minerals can generate oxygen, challenging photosynthesis as the sole source. Polymetallic nodules act as "geobatteries," producing oxygen through electrolysis. Deep-sea mining risks disrupting this vital process.
Dark oxygen in depths of Pacific Ocean could force rethink about life
Scientists found "dark oxygen" from metallic lumps in the Pacific Ocean's depths, challenging oxygen production assumptions. These nodules generate oxygen in darkness, rich in metals, with potential implications for life origins.
Mystery oxygen source discovered on the sea floor – bewildering scientists
Researchers found a new oxygen source on the Pacific Ocean floor linked to polymetallic nodules. This discovery raises questions about deep-sea ecosystems and mining impacts. The nodules catalyze water molecule splitting, potentially aiding catalyst development and astrobiology.
Mystery oxygen source discovered on the sea floor – bewildering scientists
Researchers found a mysterious oxygen source on the Pacific Ocean floor, unrelated to photosynthesis. Polymetallic nodules create 'dark oxygen' by splitting water molecules, challenging scientific understanding and raising concerns about deep-sea mining.