Production of 'dark' oxygen deep in the ocean comes to light

The sea is full of se(a)crets

Dark ocean waves.
Dark oxygen is created without the presence of light
(Image credit: AndrisBarbans / Getty Images)

Deep in the ocean, scientists discovered the presence of "dark" oxygen, which is oxygen produced without photosynthesis. Oxygen was previously thought to require light to be produced; the new finding calls that notion into question. The implications of this discovery could affect future deep-sea mining prospects.

Oxygen in the ocean

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Devika Rao, The Week US

 Devika Rao has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022, covering science, the environment, climate and business. She previously worked as a policy associate for a nonprofit organization advocating for environmental action from a business perspective.