Unexplainable Dark oxygen could rewrite Earth’s history
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Sep 11, 2024 
Alycia Smith, a deep sea ecologist at Heriot-Watt University, reveals groundbreaking research about 'dark oxygen' being generated without sunlight on the ocean floor. This finding could revolutionize our understanding of life on Earth and beyond. The discussion shifts to the role of deep-sea nodules in oxygen production and the environmental risks associated with their extraction. Smith emphasizes the need for further scientific exploration amidst corporate interests, shedding light on the fragile balance of our ocean ecosystems.
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First Deep-Sea Deployment
- Alycia Smith, a deep-sea ecologist, recounts her first deep-sea research deployment in the North Pacific.
- She describes the nerve-wracking process of deploying and retrieving the respirometer lander.
Unexpected Oxygen Increase
- During her first deployment, Smith observed an unexpected increase in oxygen levels in the deep sea, contrary to established scientific understanding.
- Initially, she and her team suspected equipment malfunction, but multiple sensors confirmed the unusual readings.
Dark Oxygen Discovery
- Scientists discovered "dark oxygen" being produced without sunlight at the bottom of the ocean.
- This challenges our understanding of oxygen production and raises questions about life's origins and potential for extraterrestrial life.