Quick Summary
Scientists have made a fascinating discovery, suggesting Earth’s molten core could be storing an enormous amount of hydrogen, potentially equivalent to 45 times the volume of our planet’s surface oceans.
What Happened
New research indicates that the colossal pressures and extreme temperatures deep within Earth’s core create unique conditions where hydrogen atoms could be compressed and stored in vast quantities. This groundbreaking finding challenges previous assumptions about the core’s exact composition and its broader role in the global water cycle.
Why It Matters
This revelation could significantly alter our understanding of Earth’s formation and its ongoing geological evolution. If proven true, it implies a substantial, previously unrecognised internal reservoir of hydrogen that might influence everything from the planet’s internal heat budget to the very origins and distribution of water on the surface. “It’s truly mind-boggling to consider the sheer scale of this potential internal ocean,” remarked Professor Alistair Finch, a geophysicist involved in the study.
Bottom Line
While further investigation is needed to confirm the exact quantity and implications, the prospect of such a massive hydrogen store within our planet opens exciting new avenues for planetary science and our comprehension of Earth’s deepest secrets.
