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What is "dark oxygen", found 13000 feet under the sea? | UPSC General Studies Notes

Table of Contents:

  •  What is "Dark Oxygen"
  • Oxygen Production in the Environment
  • Discovery of "dark Oxygen"
  • Application of “Dark Oxygen”
  • The new area of environmental concerns


What is "Dark Oxygen"?

"Dark Oxygen" is the oxygen that is produced in the deep ocean.

 

Oxygen Production in Environment:

Traditionally, it was believed that oxygen is produced naturally in the presence of sunlight through the photosynthesis process by plants, plankton, algae, and bacteria.


Discovery of "dark Oxygen":

However, in recent discovery, it has been found that Oxygen is being produced in the Pacific Ocean, about 13100 feet below water. 

This was discovered by, Ocean Scientist, Andrew Sweetman.

Metallic nodules that are present deep inside the ocean act like batteries, which generate electric currents, that split ocean water into hydrogen and oxygen.

 

Application of “Dark Oxygen” discovery:

Origin of life: Deep ocean hydrothermal vents could be sources of origin of life on Earth.

It provides oxygen for marine organisms in deep-sea environments.

Similar oxygen production may be possible on the moon or other planets that could support life.

 

The new area of environmental concerns:

Deep ocean mining which is happening for polymetallic nodules could disrupt oxygen production and could harm marine life and deep-sea ecosystem.

Environment-friendly mining practices are needed.

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