A recent breakthrough in ocean science might alter our understanding of how oxygen is produced on Earth. Traditionally, we've learned that plants and algae generate oxygen through photosynthesis using sunlight and carbon dioxide. However, a study published in Nature Geoscience on July 22 reveals that a previously overlooked natural process might also contribute to oxygen production in the ocean's depths.
Researchers have found that polymetallic nodules—natural mineral deposits located at the bottom of the ocean—can generate oxygen without light. These nodules, found as deep as 20,000 feet below the ocean surface, contain metals like cobalt, copper, lithium, and manganese.
The article is not finished. Click on the next page to continue.
The article is not finished. Click on the next page to continue.
Next page
