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The discovery of dark oxygen produced by “rocks” at the bottom of the ocean where the Sun doesn’t shine has scientists reassessing the origin of life.

Much of the oxygen that supports life on Earth is produced from sunlight by photosynthetic organisms such as plants and algae. It is generally understood that this is how life began.

Now, that understanding has been challenged by new evidence that oxygen can also be produced by electrolysis on the floor of the ocean, 4,000 metres below the surface, according to a study published Monday in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Geoscience.

A team of scientists made the discovery on the seabed of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone of the Pacific Ocean.

Specifically, they measured the electric voltage in mineral masses (called polymetallic nodules) on the seabed and found that it was high enough to split seawater into oxygen and hydrogen.

What is dark oxygen?

Oxygen produced in the absence of sunlight is called “dark oxygen”.

The concept of “dark oxygen” itself is not new, for there has been evidence of bacteria (Candidatus Methylomirabilis oxyfera) producing oxygen in the absence of photosynthesis, according to a 2012 study published in the journal Frontiers.

However, this is the first time that scientists have found evidence of oxygen being produced at the seafloor.

The scientists said the dark oxygen could support seafloor ecosystems, which may be impacted if mining does take place.

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