Discovery of Earth's Hidden Ocean: Vast Reservoir Found Deep in the Mantle
Scientists uncover a massive underground reservoir, potentially three times larger than all oceans combined, located 700 kilometers beneath the Earth's surface. This groundbreaking research challenges traditional beliefs about Earth's water origins and its cycle. Learn more about the role of ringwoodite in storing water within the mantle and the implications for our understanding of the planet's water distribution
Discovery of Earth's Hidden Ocean
Scientists now believe that a massive underground reservoir, possibly three times the size of all Earth's oceans combined, lies beneath the surface. Unlike the oceans we know, this "hidden ocean" isn't composed of liquid water. For centuries, it was assumed that Earth's water was restricted to its surface, but recent research has revealed a surprising discovery: a vast water source exists 700 kilometers below the surface, embedded within the Earth's mantle. This groundbreaking find, led by researchers from Northwestern University, challenges existing theories about the planet's water cycle and where Earth's water originally came from.
Ringwoodite: Unlocking the Secrets of Mantle Water
Instead of being in liquid form, this underground water is contained within the molecular structure of a rare blue mineral called ringwoodite, found deep within the mantle. The research, headed by Steven Jacobsen, involved analyzing seismic data from over 2,000 seismographs spread across the U.S. By studying the behavior of seismic waves from more than 500 earthquakes, the team observed a significant slowdown of these waves at specific depths. This slowdown indicated the presence of water-rich rocks in the mantle. Through these measurements, scientists inferred the existence of water trapped within the Earth's interior.
New Insights Into Earth’s Water Cycle and Origins
This discovery reshapes our understanding of Earth's water cycle, suggesting that water may originate from deeper within the planet than previously thought. Traditionally, it was believed that water came from comets that collided with Earth. However, this new research opens up the possibility that water may have slowly risen from the Earth's interior over millions of years.
The impact of this finding is profound. This hidden reservoir could be crucial in maintaining Earth's surface water balance, possibly cycling water between the surface and deep within the planet. Ongoing research will explore whether similar reservoirs exist in other parts of the world, which could transform our knowledge of how water is distributed on Earth.
