A group of scientists made a remarkable discovery about the ocean floors. The discovery, made within the scope of a study, revealed that the ocean bottoms are full of oxygen. Experts preferred to call the oxygen at the bottom of the ocean “dark oxygen”.
Oxygen, which is indispensable for our life, is largely produced by photosynthesis. Plants, whether in the sea or on land, produce oxygen by taking advantage of light. However, with the discovery made, it became clear that this was not entirely true. Because oxygen was produced in the endless darkness at the bottom of the ocean.
So how was this possible?
According to research conducted in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, oxygen production at the ocean bottom was produced by mineral concentrates and metal deposits called “polymetallic nodules”. The electrolysis of metal deposits using the energy provided by the nodules enabled the production of dark oxygen. According to the research, the higher the density of nodules and metal deposits on the ocean floor, the higher the amount of oxygen produced.
The discovery, made while working to valuableize the metals at the bottom of the ocean, created excitement in the scientific world. Because, according to experts, the oxygen produced at the bottom of the ocean is critical for life. Detailed studies may open new doors for scientists who want to delve into the basis of life.