Deep-sea scientists have embarked on the most detailed examination of our oceans, potentially unlocking clues about how life began on Earth and the possibilities for life beyond our planet. Led by Prof. Andrew Sweetman, this project, supported by a £2m funding package from The Nippon Foundation, will explore the mysterious phenomenon of ‘Dark Oxygen,’ a discovery that challenges existing scientific understanding.
Discovery of Dark Oxygen
The recent discovery of ‘Dark Oxygen’ on the deep ocean floor, where light cannot penetrate, has challenged the long-standing belief that oxygen is solely produced through photosynthesis. This groundbreaking discovery opens up exciting new questions about life’s origins.
- Dark Oxygen can be produced in complete darkness, sparking a paradigm shift in the scientific community.
- The research team is now set to explore this phenomenon in other deep-sea regions to determine its broader presence.
Prof. Sweetman emphasized:
“Our discovery of Dark Oxygen was a paradigm shift in our understanding of the deep sea and potentially life on Earth. This research could change the way we think about life on other planets.”
Innovative Research with £2m Support Package
The £2m funding from The Nippon Foundation will support the development of purpose-built, autonomous landers capable of reaching depths of 11,000 meters. These landers will carry specialized instrumentation to study the creation of Dark Oxygen and other deep-sea phenomena.
- The research will focus on the central Pacific Ocean, exploring the Hadal Zone (6,000–11,000 meters).
- The study will also look at whether hydrogen is released during Dark Oxygen production and its potential role as an energy source for deep-sea microbes.
The new research program aims to probe critical environmental questions such as the impact of climate change on deep-sea ecosystems.
Potential Implications for Life Beyond Earth
This research does not only have implications for Earth but could also shape our understanding of life on other planets. NASA experts have shown interest in the Dark Oxygen discovery, as it could reveal how life might thrive in extreme, sunless conditions on other planets.
- Probing oxygen production without sunlight could reshape theories of life in outer space.
- Conversations are already underway with NASA to apply findings to the search for life beyond our solar system.
Prof. Owens added:
“The discovery of Dark Oxygen is arguably the most significant in the history of SAMS. It has reinforced the UK’s role as a global leader in marine exploration.”
The Nippon Foundation’s Commitment to Ocean Research
The Nippon Foundation’s support underscores its dedication to fostering innovation in ocean sciences, with the goal of better understanding the deep sea and preserving marine biodiversity for future generations.
- The Nippon Foundation’s funding enables cutting-edge research into one of the ocean’s best-kept secrets.
- This project has also received endorsement from IOC UNESCO as a UN Ocean Decade activity.
The Foundation’s mission aligns with its broader goals of cultivating human resources in ocean affairs and promoting sustainability in marine life.
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Source: Conti Ocean
