In July, researchers discovered a phenomenon known as “dark oxygen.” While this form of oxygen consists of conventional oxygen molecules, what makes it unique is the process by which it’s formed.
A new project. The team behind the dark oxygen discovery is launching a new project to understand the presence of these mysterious molecules in the deep ocean. The aim of this project is to address some of the questions raised by the original discovery, particularly whether this formation process occurs in several regions of the seabed.
“Our discovery of dark oxygen was a paradigm shift in our understanding of the deep sea and potentially life on Earth, but it threw up more questions than answers,” project leader Andrew Sweetman said in a press release.
International collaboration. The new project is the result of collaboration between two institutions. The Japanese Nippon Foundation is funding the initiative with a $2.5 million contribution, while the Scottish Association for Marine Science will spearhead the study.
Dark oxygen. The concept of “dark oxygen” refers to molecular oxygen found in the ocean’s depths. The term comes from the fact that it’s produced away from sunlight.
Traditionally, the prevailing theory suggested that oxygen on Earth is primarily generated through photosynthesis. However, the discovery of oxygen in areas devoid of sunlight and isolated from surface ocean currents has prompted researchers to explore alternative explanations for its presence in these harsh environments.
One promising hypothesis is that metals found on the seabed may be producing these oxygen molecules through a process called electrolysis.
Validating the hypothesis. The new project aims to verify the metals theory, which the mining industry has questioned, while exploring alternative explanations for the unexpected presence of oxygen in this environment. One possibility being considered is radiolysis, which suggests that radiation may be directly or indirectly triggering this process.
In addition, the research team intends to investigate whether the processes that produce dark oxygen also generate hydrogen. Researchers want to determine if it serves as an energy source for the bacterial communities residing in this area of the ocean. Moreover, the study could enhance the scientific community’s understanding of how climate change may impact these ecosystems.
Discussions with NASA. According to researchers, the space agency sees value in studying dark oxygen. “We are already in conversation with experts at NASA who believe dark oxygen could reshape our understanding of how life might be sustained on other planets without direct sunlight,” Sweetman added.
In the end, studying dark oxygen could enhance scientists’ knowledge of its role in extraterrestrial life and deepen their understanding of how oxygen originated on our planet. This could provide useful information on how life emerged on Earth. The relationship between life and oxygen is crucial, yet many aspects of this relationship remain a mystery.
Image | Jong Marshes
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