In a groundbreaking revelation, researchers at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, have uncovered a colossal reservoir of water lurking beneath the Earth’s surface. Estimated to be three times the size of all the oceans combined, this subterranean water source is located approximately 700 kilometres below ground level, challenging our understanding of the planet’s geology and water cycle.
The discovery was made during an investigation into the origins of Earth’s water. Scientists stumbled upon a hidden ocean concealed within a mineral known as ringwoodite, marking a significant departure from conventional theories about the planet’s water sources. This subterranean ocean, surpassing the volume of all surface oceans combined, poses a revolutionary perspective on the Earth’s hydrological processes.
While previous hypotheses suggested that Earth’s water originated from comet impacts, the revelation of this deep-seated reservoir suggests an alternative narrative. According to Steven Jacobsen, the lead scientist behind the research, “This provides compelling evidence that Earth’s water originated from within the planet itself,” hinting at a dynamic interplay between the planet’s interior and its surface.
The discovery was made possible through the analysis of seismic waves using over 2000 seismographs deployed across the United States. By studying the behaviour of seismic waves from 500 earthquakes, researchers observed a significant slowing down of waves as they traversed through the Earth’s interior, indicating the presence of water within the rocks below.
This groundbreaking finding not only challenges existing theories but also opens up new avenues for understanding the Earth’s complex geological processes. As scientists delve deeper into the mysteries of our planet’s hidden realms, the discovery of this vast underground ocean promises to reshape our perception of Earth’s history and evolution.
