Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery: oxygen is being produced deep in the ocean’s darkness. This process, dubbed ‘dark oxygen,’ occurs far below the reach of sunlight where photosynthesis is impossible. The existence of dark oxygen suggests previously unknown ecosystems may thrive in these depths.
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Possible Cause of Generation of Dark Oxygen-
Typically, the ocean’s oxygen is replenished by the ‘Great Conveyor Belt’ circulation system. However, this process alone cannot explain the newly discovered ‘dark oxygen’ found in the ocean’s depths. Scientists are puzzled by this unexpected oxygen source, as it challenges our understanding of marine ecosystems.
One interesting theory suggests that polymetallic nodules (polymetallic nodules are potato-sized mineral deposits found on the ocean floor. They’re built up layer by layer, with iron and manganese compounds forming concentric rings around a central core), might be involved in splitting water molecules to create oxygen. However, the exact process and energy source behind this phenomenon are still unknown.
The Clarion-Clipperton Zone Region, off the west coast of Mexico, was the study’s location.
The Zone is recognised for possessing the world’s largest concentration of polymetallic nodules.
Obstacles in the Research-
The existence of “dark oxygen” prompts worries about possible harm to ecosystems that depend on this kind of oxygen. Sea habitats may suffer negative effects from deep-sea mining, which involves removing polymetallic nodules.
According to a study published in November 2023, deep-sea mining may cause harm to deep-sea jellyfish by causing mud plumes in ocean waters that obstruct marine organisms’ ability to reproduce and obtain nutrients.
Assessing the possible effects of deep-sea mining on these ecosystems and their participation in global climate processes may be made more difficult by the lack of scientific understanding about abyssal zone ecosystems compared to those aboveground.
India’s Efforts in This Field-
As part of its “Deep Ocean Mission,” India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences is building the Samurdrayaan Misssion, a submersible vehicle designed to find and mine similar resources in the Indian Ocean.