Quick Summary
Scientists have uncovered an astonishingly vast water reservoir hidden 700 kilometres below Earth’s surface. This subterranean ‘ocean’ is estimated to hold more water than all the planet’s surface oceans combined, challenging previous geological assumptions.
What Happened
Utilising seismic waves from earthquakes, researchers identified a significant body of water bound within a mineral called ringwoodite. This isn’t a liquid ocean in a cavern, but rather water locked within the crystalline structure of rock deep within Earth’s mantle, at a depth of roughly 700 kilometres. The discovery was meticulously detailed by The Daily Galaxy.
Why It Matters
This monumental find could revolutionise our understanding of Earth’s water cycle and geological processes, including volcanism and plate tectonics. It suggests a much more active and water-rich deep Earth than previously imagined. As one expert remarked, “This truly redefines our hydrological map of the planet.”
Bottom Line
The discovery of this colossal underground water source offers invaluable insights into the dynamic nature of our planet, potentially explaining the origin of Earth’s surface water and its enduring presence.
