All articles tagged with #polymetallic nodules
Scientists have discovered that polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone produce 'dark oxygen' 4,000 meters below the sea surface, potentially rewriting our understanding of oceanic oxygen sources and the origins of life, while complicating deep-sea mining debates due to ecological concerns.
A study published in Nature Geosciences reveals that metal nodules on the ocean floor release oxygen, challenging the belief that deep-sea oxygen solely originates from surface sources. These nodules, rich in metals like manganese, function like batteries, breaking down water into hydrogen and oxygen. This "dark oxygen" supports deep-sea ecosystems and raises concerns about the environmental impact of mining these nodules for rare metals. The findings prompt a reevaluation of oxygen production processes and the origins of life on Earth.