British Researchers to Conduct Expedition for 'Dark Oxygen' Discovery in Pacific Ocean
In summer 2024, a British scientific team plans a new expedition to investigate 'dark oxygen' detected over 4 kilometers deep in the Clarion-Clipperton geological fracture zone in the Pacific Ocean. This discovery could challenge existing theories about the origins of life, which suggest oxygen was first produced by photosynthetic bacteria around 3 billion years ago.
The researchers believe the dark oxygen is linked to polymetallic nodules rich in metals like magnesium, nickel, and cobalt. These nodules generate an electric charge that could facilitate water electrolysis, separating it into hydrogen and oxygen.
The upcoming expedition, funded by a Japanese foundation, will utilize new submersible modules capable of reaching depths of 11 kilometers. Initial results are expected within 24-48 hours after retrieval, despite skepticism from some mining representatives and independent researchers regarding the discovery's validity.
