2024-07-22 20:31:48
In the abysses of the Pacific Ocean, where light does not penetrate (from a depth of 1,000 meters), scientists have discovered oxygen coming not from minerals but from small stones containing metals, which questions theory on the origin of life on Earth.
A strange “black gas” was found more than 4 kilometers deep, in the abyssal plain of the Clarion-Clipperton fracture zone, according to a study published on Monday July 22. The main target for mining under water due to the presence of polymetallic nodules, mineral materials rich in metals (manganese, nickel, cobalt, etc.) important, in particular, for the production of batteries for electric vehicles and photovoltaic panels.
It was in this area that a vessel from the Scottish Society for Marine Sciences (SAMS) took samples, funded by The Metals Company and UK Seabed Resources, which coveted precious nodules. these. The purpose of the study: to assess the effect of such a prospect on the ecosystem where the absence of light prevents photosynthesis and therefore the presence of plants, but which is full of unique animal species.
“We’re trying to measure oxygen consumption” of the sea floor, by placing its sediments under bells called benthic chambers, explained to Agence France-Presse Andrew Sweetman, the first author of the work published in Nature Geoscience. The present sea water should have seen its oxygen concentration decrease, as the latter is consumed by the organisms that live at these depths. But the opposite is observed: “The oxygen level increases in the water above the sediments, in complete darkness and therefore without photosynthesis”developed by Andrew Sweetman.
“Batteries in the Rock”
The surprise was such that the researchers initially thought their underwater sensors had gone wrong. They conducted experiments on their ship to see if the same thing happened on land, by revealing the same sediments and nodules they found in the dark. And note once again that the oxygen level is increasing.
“On the surface of the nodules, we see an electrical voltage as high as in an AA battery”describes Andrew Sweetman, comparing these nodules to “batteries in the rock”. These amazing properties can be found at the origin of the electrolysis process of water, which splits its cells into hydrogen and oxygen using electrical current. This chemical reaction occurs from 1.5 volts – the voltage of a battery – which the nodules can reach when they are grouped.
“Discovering oxygen production by a process other than photosynthesis encourages us to rethink how life appeared on Earth”, which is linked to the emergence of oxygen, comments Nicholas Owens, director of SAMS. vision “cultural” being that oxygen “It was first formed about 3 billion years ago by cyanobacteria which led to the development of more complex organisms”he said.
“Life may have started elsewhere than on dry land and near the ocean”Advance Andrew Sweetman. Since this process exists on our planet, it can form oxygen habitats in other “sea planets” like Enceladus or Europa. [des lunes de Saturne et de Jupiter] » and create conditions for the appearance of extraterrestrial life. You hope that your decisions will make it possible “do better” offshore mining, based on more precise environmental information.
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