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"Dark oxygen" production discovered in sunless deep ocean floor
In the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (~4,000m depth), metallic polymetallic nodules generate oxygen via electrochemical processes without photosynthesis. Discovered by Andrew Sweetman's team around 2024, ongoing investigations probe the mechanism amid deep-sea mining debates.
TLDR
The finding upends assumptions that photosynthesis is required for significant oxygen production, challenging oceanography and biology paradigms. X posts circulating visuals attract engagement for both scientific surprise and environmental/mining controversy implications.
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