Scientists discover 'dark oxygen' from seafloor metallic nodules

Scientists have discovered "dark oxygen" produced by metallic nodules on the seafloor in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone of the North Pacific Ocean. This oxygen generation occurs without living organisms, challenging previous beliefs about Earth's oxygen origins. The study, published on July 22, reveals that these nodules, found 13,000 feet deep, may produce oxygen through seawater electrolysis, raising questions about the emergence of aerobic life on Earth.