Scientists Set to Explore Unprecedented "Dark Oxygen" Discovery on Ocean Floor

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A groundbreaking discovery of oxygen production on the seabed of the Pacific Ocean has prompted marine scientists to initiate a comprehensive three-year research project. Andrew Sweetman from the Scottish Association for Marine Science revealed that metal-rich rocks located in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone were found to be generating oxygen through a process not reliant on sunlight, challenging long-held scientific beliefs.

The initial findings suggested that these metallic nodules, situated approximately 4,000 meters deep, could split seawater into oxygen and hydrogen via natural electrolysis. This project, funded by the Nippon Foundation with a budget of $2.7 million, aims to deepen understanding of this "dark" oxygen phenomenon, particularly how similar reactions may function in other parts of the ocean floor.

Following the sensational revelation in July, which indicated a potential paradigm shift in marine biology and ocean chemistry, Sweetman emphasized the importance of investigating the mechanisms behind this process. The results could not only reshape scientific approaches to deep-sea environments and ecosystems but also have implications for the search for extraterrestrial life, as they suggest survival mechanisms independent of sunlight.

Additionally, the project seeks to understand the ecological impact of deep-sea mining activities in this unique environment, advocating for cautious exploration until more is known about the ecosystem's dynamics. The findings could play a critical role in the future of sustainable undersea resource management and conservation efforts.

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