Close Menu

    Get the latest news around the globe

    Editor's Pick

    Britain’s wealth boom ends as interest rates surge: Report

    Elon Musk’s favorite Cryptocurrency sees huge gains post Twitter deal

    Trump says TikTok sale near as ban deadline looms; Big names join race

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Instagram
    Britain HeraldBritain Herald
    Subscribe
    • Home
    • World Roundup
    • Business
    • Tech World
    • Entertainment & Events
    • Curious
    • More…
      • Spotlight
      • Knowledge
      • Lifestyle
      • Awareness
      • Women World
      • Sports
      • Travel
      • Notable
      • Contact Us
    Britain HeraldBritain Herald
    Home » Scientists uncover ‘Dark’ Oxygen production 13,000 feet ocean depth
    Science

    Scientists uncover ‘Dark’ Oxygen production 13,000 feet ocean depth

    The discovery indicates that oxygen can also be generated in the seafloor’s dark, lightless depths, potentially sustaining aerobic marine life in total darkness.
    News DeskBy News DeskJuly 23, 2024
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp
    DARK OXYGEN
    Image Credits: Northwestern University | Cropped by BH

    United States: An international research team, including chemist Franz Geiger from Northwestern University, has made a remarkable discovery: metallic minerals on the deep-ocean floor produce oxygen at depths of 13,000 feet. The unexpected finding challenges the long-standing belief that Earth’s oxygen is solely generated by photosynthetic organisms like plants and algae. Instead, it suggests that oxygen can also be produced in the seafloor’s dark, lightless depths, potentially supporting aerobic marine life in complete darkness.

    Mechanism for Oxygen production

    The study published in ‘Nature Geoscience’, reveals that polymetallic nodules or the natural mineral deposits found on the ocean floor are at the heart of this discovery. These nodules, which vary in size from tiny particles to about the size of a potato, contain critical metals like cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium, and manganese. These elements are also essential for battery production. The researchers discovered that these nodules produce oxygen through a process similar to seawater electrolysis, which involves extracting electrons from the oxygen atom in the water.

    The-Deep-ocean-Floor-Produces
    Polymetallic Nodule| Image Credits: Franz Geiger | Cropped by BH
    New perspective on Deep-Sea mining

    Dr. Andrew Sweetman from the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) initially detected oxygen production while sampling the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean. After ruling out sensor malfunctions and verifying results with alternative methods, Sweetman and Geiger explored the possibility that the nodules acted as natural ‘geobatteries,’ generating the electricity needed to produce oxygen.

    “The data was unexpected and groundbreaking. We initially thought our equipment was malfunctioning. But when consistent results emerged, we realized we had discovered something truly novel,” remarked Sweetman.

    Impact on Mining and Environment

    The discovery has significant implications for deep-sea mining. Franz Geiger warns that while polymetallic nodules are critical for various technologies, their extraction could impact deep-sea ecosystems. Geiger emphasises the need to reconsider mining strategies to avoid depleting this newly discovered oxygen source. Historical data shows that areas mined in the 1980s still lack marine life, suggesting long-lasting environmental damage.

    deep-ocean-floor-produ
    Polymetallic Nodule in simulated sea water| Image Credits: Franz Geiger | Cropped by BH

    “The vast deposits of polymetallic nodules could meet global energy demands for decades. However, the environmental impact of past mining activities underscores the need for careful planning and conservation to protect these vital underwater ecosystems,” Geiger noted.

    The significant study not only opens a new pathway for understanding oxygen production but also raises important questions about the future of deep-sea resource extraction and its effects on marine life.

    TRENDING | Brazilian coastal sharks test positive for cocaine

    STAR OF SECTOR 2025
    'Dark' Oxygen in Ocean Depth 'Dark' Oxygen production 13 000 ft ocean depth Franz Geiger New mechanism for Oxygen production Remarkable 'Dark' Oxygen discovery
    Share. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp
    Avatar
    News Desk

    The news/article published above has been sourced, compiled, and corroborated by a member of the Britain Herald News Desk Team. If you have any queries or complaints about the published material, please get in touch with us at BritainHerald@Gmail.Com

    Newly Updated

    Devastating glacier collapse destroys Swiss village of Blatten

    May 29, 2025

    Manitoba declares emergency as wildfires force mass evacuation

    May 29, 2025

    Nvidia reports rising revenue as global AI demand surges

    May 29, 2025
    STAR OF SECTOR 2025

    Business

    Nvidia reports rising revenue as global AI demand surges

    Business May 29, 2025

    United States: Nvidia has reported a significant boost in its first-quarter earnings, with revenue surging…

    Volvo cars to cut 3,000 jobs in major restructuring effort

    May 27, 2025

    Trump demands US-made iPhones; Warns of 25% tariff

    May 24, 2025

    Nike to raise prices on select items citing seasonal planning

    May 22, 2025
    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram

    Curious

    Massive ice calving at Perito Moreno Glacier sparks concern

    May 16, 2025

    Glowing Spiral appears in night sky; Linked to SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket

    March 25, 2025

    Once dubbed ‘Ugliest’; Blobfish triumphs as NZ ‘Fish of the Year’

    March 19, 2025

    Giant Iceberg A23a runs aground near South Georgia; Easing wildlife fears

    March 5, 2025

    Get the latest news around the globe

    Knowledge

    Clownfish shrinks to survive marine heatwaves, study reveals

    Knowledge May 22, 2025

    England: Clownfish, famously known from the film Finding Nemo, are shrinking in size to survive…

    Kashmir conflict: History of disputes, wars, and unresolved tensions

    May 9, 2025

    Snakebite survivor’s blood sparks universal antivenom discovery

    May 3, 2025

    ESA’s Biomass satellite set for launch to map forest carbon

    April 29, 2025
    18-EA-387-TryEngineeringSummerInst_BannerAd_300x250_Robot
    About Us
    About Us

    Britain Herald is a global news brand that plays a significant role in educating and informing the masses with informative content, the latest updates, and current affairs across the World.

    Operated and Managed by WellMade Network, the portal is a sister concern of GCC Business News and Emirati Times. For inquiries about Media Partnerships, Investment and other opportunities in line with our Editorial Policy, please contact us at;

    Email Us: News@BritainHerald.com
    Whatsapp: +971 5060 12456

    We Have

    Devastating glacier collapse destroys Swiss village of Blatten

    May 29, 2025

    Manitoba declares emergency as wildfires force mass evacuation

    May 29, 2025

    Nvidia reports rising revenue as global AI demand surges

    May 29, 2025

    ‘Judicial Coup’ or Legal Check? US court blocks Trump’s tariffs

    May 29, 2025
    Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Instagram
    • Home
    • Business
    • Tech World
    • Awareness
    • Contact Us
    Privacy & Cookies Policy | Terms & Conditions
    © 2002 BritainHerald.com, An Initiative by WellMade Network

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.