Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the depths of the Pacific Ocean: oxygen production without the involvement of living organisms. Four kilometers below the surface where sunlight cannot reach, researchers have found metallic lumps generating what they term “dark oxygen.” This form of oxygen is produced through a process independent of photosynthesis. Unlike the traditional photosynthesis process, where organisms use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to create energy and oxygen, the newly discovered phenomenon operates in complete darkness.
The accidental finding occurred during a study of metal-rich lumps in an abyssal plain between Hawaii and Mexico. These lumps, known as “batteries in a rock,” are crucial for technologies like smartphones and wind turbines. Recognizing their commercial value, mining companies have expressed interest in harvesting the lumps. In response, a team of researchers set out to assess the potential environmental impact of deep-sea mining.
科學家在太平洋深處取得了開創性的發現：不需要生物體參與即可產生氧氣。研究人員在陽光無法到達的海下四公里處發現了金屬塊，產生了他們所謂的「暗氧」。這種形式的氧氣是透過一種不依賴光合作用的過程所產生的。與傳統的光合作用過程不同 ── 在光合作用中，生物體利用陽光、二氧化碳和水來產生能量和氧氣 ── 這個新發現的現象是在完全黑暗的情況下進行的。
Photo: Ivy I 照片：常春藤提供
這是在研究夏威夷和墨西哥之間的深海平原中富含金屬的塊體時偶然發現的。這些被稱為「岩石中的電池」的塊狀物對智慧型手機和風力渦輪機等科技至關重要。礦業公司發覺它們的商業價值，而表示有興趣要開採這些塊狀物。作為應對，一組研究人員開始評估深海採礦對環境的潛在影響。
* AA battery讀作double A battery，因此不定冠詞要用a，而非an。
Words in use
1. groundbreaking a. 開創性的
The company released groundbreaking technology that revolutionized the industry.
那間公司發布一項開創性的技術，徹底改變了該產業。
2. generate vt. 產生（電、熱等能量）
Solar panels generate clean energy from sunlight.
太陽能板利用陽光來產生潔淨能源。
3. accidental a. 偶然的，意外的
The old love letter was an accidental find while I was sorting through newspapers.
那封舊情書是我在整理報紙時偶然發現的東西。
Practical Phrases
1. be independent of... 不依賴……
The organization’s funding is independent of government support.
該組織的資金不依賴政府援助。
2. In response, S + V 作為應對，……
The project fell behind schedule. In response, the team worked overtime to meet the deadline.
該專案比預期的進度落後。作為應對，該團隊加班以趕上截止日期。
3. be contrary to sth 與某事物相反
Wendy’s choice to pursue art was contrary to her parents’ desire for her to study medicine.
溫蒂選擇追求藝術，這與她父母希望她學醫的期望相反。
To be continued tomorrow（明日待續）
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本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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