As if the mysteries of the deep sea weren’t already confounding enough, now we’ve got an ocean hiding deep within the Earth itself!
Move over, Atlantis—it looks like researchers have stumbled upon something even more mind-boggling than a lost underwater city.
Scientists discover waterbody 700-km below Earth’s surface
Beneath the Earth's surface lies a revelation that defies our understanding of its water origins: a colossal ocean, three times the size of all surface oceans combined, hidden within the planet's mantle, some 700 kilometers below. This astounding discovery challenges previous theories, suggesting that Earth's oceans may have slowly seeped from its core rather than originating from comet impacts.
Led by Steven Jacobsen of Northwestern University, researchers stumbled upon this hidden reservoir concealed within the Earth's mantle while studying seismic activity, guarded by a mineral called ringwoodite, exhibiting a distinct blue hue as its keeper. This subterranean marvel not only captivates us with its sheer scale but also redefines our comprehension of Earth's water cycle, proposing a narrative where water emerges from the depths rather than falling from the skies.
How the discovery was made?
The journey to this revelation began with an ambitious seismic study. Utilizing an array of 2000 seismographs scattered across the United States, researchers meticulously analyzed seismic waves generated by more than 500 earthquakes. They observed that these waves, as they traversed through the Earth's inner layers, including the core, exhibited a decrease in speed when passing through wet rock. This observation led to the inference of the presence of a significant water reservoir deep within the Earth's mantle.
Impact on Earth's water cycle theory
The implications of this discovery are profound, potentially reshaping our understanding of the Earth's water cycle. It challenges conventional wisdom and prompts a reevaluation of existing theories. Scientists are now keen on expanding their study to gather seismic data from various regions globally, aiming to determine the prevalence of such mantle melting phenomena. Steven Jacobsen, the lead researcher, emphasized the pivotal role of this reservoir, highlighting its significance in maintaining water on the Earth's surface. This newfound insight offers a fresh perspective on one of the planet's fundamental processes, paving the way for further exploration and understanding.
Science behind the discovery
Steven Jacobsen, the lead author of the study from Northwestern University, underscores the significance of the discovery, stating, "This is substantial evidence that water on Earth came from within." The meticulous analysis of seismic data, coupled with advanced technology, unveiled this hidden ocean, challenging existing paradigms about the origin of Earth's water.
It is expected to hold 3 times the volume of all oceans
The magnitude of this discovery is staggering. Envision a reservoir so vast that it surpasses the combined volume of all the oceans on the Earth's surface. Encapsulated within ringwoodite's crystalline lattice, this subterranean ocean holds immense scientific intrigue. Its unique properties, akin to a celestial sponge, make it capable of trapping water molecules, hinting at the possibility of a comprehensive Earth water cycle originating from its core.
A departure from conventional theories
This revelation challenges traditional theories regarding the origins of Earth's water, suggesting a departure from conventional beliefs in comet impacts or surface seepage. Instead, it proposes a compelling narrative where water emerges from the Earth's core. As scientists delve deeper into this enigmatic realm, questions arise regarding its interaction with the mantle, its impact on geological and climatic processes, and the potential existence of life forms adapted to its extreme conditions.
The discovery of this hidden ocean has sent shockwaves through the scientific community, prompting debates about the origins of Earth’s water. Forget about comets, forget about meteor showers—could it be that the water we depend on for life itself has been right under our noses this whole time, quietly seeping out from the Earth’s core?
It’s enough to make you question everything you thought you knew about the world we live in. So next time you take a sip of water or dip your toes in the ocean, just remember that we’re all just floating on a tiny blue dot in a vast universe of surprises. And hey, who knows what other secrets might be lurking just below the surface?
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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