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Science Quickly
‘Dark Oxygen’ Is Coming from These Ocean Nodules, and We Don’t Know How
Aug 21, 2024
Allison Parshall, an associate news editor at Scientific American, dives into the mysterious world of polymetallic nodules found between Mexico and Hawaii. These ocean blobs may produce their own oxygen, challenging previous understandings of deep-sea ecosystems. Parshall discusses the ecological implications of mining these nodules for metals like manganese and cobalt, and raises intriguing questions about the role of life versus chemistry in oxygen production. This groundbreaking research opens up fascinating avenues for exploration in science and environmental impact.
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Quick takeaways
- Oxygen is produced in darkness around polymetallic nodules, challenging traditional beliefs about oxygen sources on Earth.
- The potential ecological impact of mining polymetallic nodules necessitates further research on their role in deep-sea ecosystems.
Deep dives
Oxygen Production in the Deep Sea
Scientists have discovered that oxygen is being produced in total darkness on the seafloor in a specific region of the Pacific Ocean called the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. This occurs around polymetallic nodules, which are mineral deposits rich in metals like manganese and cobalt, found abundantly throughout the abyssal plain. Initially viewed as an anomaly, repeated measurements over the years revealed a consistent rise in oxygen levels, prompting researchers to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Their findings challenge conventional understanding, suggesting that microbial or chemical processes occurring in the absence of sunlight may be responsible for this unexpected oxygen production.
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