Rocks in the Ocean That Make Oxygen!

The depths of the oceans may be much more mysterious and exciting than we think! Oxygen can be produced even in these dark regions where sunlight never reaches. In the past, scientists thought that oxygen was only formed through photosynthesis, which uses sunlight. But now we know there is a process called “dark oxygen” happening in the deep oceans. How does this work?

Some special rocks and minerals on the seafloor break down water and release oxygen. These metallic rocks can perform this process even in darkness. This discovery provides important clues about how life continues in the oceans. These rocks, capable of producing oxygen without sunlight, may be a lifeline for deep-sea creatures!

Does this phenomenon happen only on Earth? Scientists think this process might also be taking place on some of Jupiter's moons. Maybe one day, we will find life there too! Thanks to dark oxygen, it’s possible to discover signs of life even in the most distant corners of space.