Daily Current Affairs : 24-July-2024
Recent scientific discoveries have revealed a captivating phenomenon called “dark oxygen.” This oxygen is produced within the deep ocean without any involvement of sunlight, challenging the long-held belief that sunlight is required for oxygen production. This discovery not only reshapes our understanding of marine life but also opens up new possibilities for space exploration.
What is “Dark Oxygen”?
“Dark oxygen” refers to oxygen that is produced within the deep ocean in a way independent of sunlight. Unlike the oxygen created by photosynthesis in the upper layers of the sea, dark oxygen is generated by naturally occurring metallic nodules on the seafloor. These nodules, which contain various metals, have the ability to generate electrical currents that split seawater into its basic components: hydrogen and oxygen.
How is Dark Oxygen Produced?
The metallic nodules on the ocean floor act like natural batteries. They create small electric currents that drive chemical reactions within the seawater, specifically splitting water (H2O) into hydrogen and oxygen. This process is similar to the way batteries work to generate power, but instead, it produces oxygen in the dark depths of the ocean, where sunlight cannot reach.
Applications of Dark Oxygen
- Support for Deep-Sea Life: This oxygen production is vital for marine organisms living in the deep ocean, where sunlight cannot penetrate. These creatures depend on the oxygen produced by these metallic nodules to survive in extreme conditions.
- Potential for Extraterrestrial Insights: The discovery of dark oxygen raises the possibility that similar processes could occur on other planets or moons, potentially supporting life in environments with little to no sunlight.
Concerns and Challenges
Despite its fascinating potential, the discovery of dark oxygen brings several concerns:
- Environmental Impact: Deep-sea mining for these metallic nodules could disrupt the oxygen production process. If mining activities damage these nodules, it could harm marine ecosystems that rely on this oxygen.
- Ecosystem Destruction: The deep ocean is home to complex and poorly understood ecosystems. Mining could destroy these ecosystems, leading to the loss of species and valuable biological knowledge.
- Regulatory Oversight: It is crucial to establish strict regulations for deep-sea mining to protect the environment. Ensuring that mining practices are environmentally friendly is necessary to prevent irreversible damage to these fragile ecosystems.
Important Points:
Discovery of Dark Oxygen:
- Oxygen is produced in the deep ocean without sunlight, challenging the belief that sunlight is necessary for oxygen production.
- This process occurs through metallic nodules on the seafloor.
What is Dark Oxygen?:
- Oxygen produced in the deep ocean by metallic nodules, independent of sunlight.
- These nodules generate electrical currents that split seawater into hydrogen and oxygen.
How Dark Oxygen is Produced:
- Metallic nodules act like natural batteries, generating electric currents.
- These currents split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen in the deep, dark ocean.
Applications of Dark Oxygen:
- Support for Deep-Sea Life: Oxygen produced by these nodules helps sustain marine life in extreme, dark conditions of the deep ocean.
- Potential for Extraterrestrial Exploration: Discovery suggests similar processes could occur on other planets or moons, potentially supporting life in environments with no sunlight.
Concerns and Challenges:
- Environmental Impact: Deep-sea mining could disrupt the oxygen production process and harm ecosystems that depend on it.
- Ecosystem Destruction: Mining activities might destroy complex and poorly understood deep-sea ecosystems.
- Need for Regulatory Oversight: Strict regulations for deep-sea mining are necessary to prevent environmental damage and protect fragile ecosystems.
Why In News
Scientists have discovered “dark oxygen” being produced in the deep ocean by metallic nodules on the seafloor, challenging the long-held belief that oxygen production requires sunlight and opening up new possibilities for understanding biogeochemical processes in extreme environments.
MCQs about The Discovery of “Dark Oxygen” in the Deep Ocean
-
What is “dark oxygen”?
A. Oxygen produced by photosynthesis in the upper ocean layers
B. Oxygen produced by metallic nodules in the deep ocean
C. Oxygen produced by volcanic activity
D. Oxygen that can only be found in the atmosphere
-
How do metallic nodules on the ocean floor produce oxygen?
A. By absorbing sunlight and converting it into oxygen
B. By creating electric currents that split water molecules
C. By converting hydrogen sulfide into oxygen
D. By filtering oxygen from the surrounding water
-
What is one potential application of dark oxygen production in the deep ocean?
A. Supporting deep-sea organisms in extreme environments
B. Increasing oxygen levels in the atmosphere
C. Allowing humans to breathe underwater
D. Generating renewable energy for coastal cities
-
What is a concern related to deep-sea mining of metallic nodules?
A. It could lead to increased sunlight penetration in the ocean
B. It could disrupt the oxygen production process and harm ecosystems
C. It would help create more oxygen for marine life
D. It could prevent the formation of new marine species
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
