Gigantic water reservoir found below Earth’s surface – contains 3x all ocean’s volume
At an astonishing depth of approximately 400 miles beneath our planet’s surface, there is an abundant reservoir of water stored within a rock type identified as ‘ringwoodite’.
At an astonishing depth of approximately 400 miles beneath our planet’s surface, there is an abundant reservoir of water. (CREDIT: CC BY-SA 4.0)
Recently, groundbreaking scientific discoveries have been rolling out at a breathtaking pace, from astronomical research on what's inside a black hole, to the majestic 8th continent and the North American lake larger than the Great Lakes combined.
Each one of these findings seemed incomprehensible until now. Yet, perhaps the most awe-inspiring is this: deep beneath our feet, below the Earth's crust, lies a colossal ocean.
At an astonishing depth of approximately 400 miles beneath our planet's surface, there is an abundant reservoir of water stored within a rock type identified as 'ringwoodite'. This intriguing revelation is reshaping our understanding of the Earth's water cycle and its intricate geophysical processes.
Prior to this groundbreaking discovery, scientists were already aware that water could be stored inside mantle rock, but not as we know it. This water doesn't align with our conventional classifications of being a solid, liquid, or gas. Instead, it finds its existence in a mystifying fourth state – like that inside a sponge.
This ground-breaking research first saw the light of day in a scientific paper titled 'Dehydration melting at the top of the lower mantle.' Within this comprehensive study, the details of this below-the-surface aquatic phenomenon were meticulously mapped out.
Geophysicist Steve Jacobsen, a pivotal member of the research team, elucidated, "The ringwoodite is like a sponge, soaking up water. There's something very special about the crystal structure of ringwoodite that allows it to attract hydrogen and trap water." This statement offers an intimate glimpse into the unique, almost magnetic nature of this particular mineral.
Related Stories
Jacobsen, continuing his insights on the same, added, "This mineral can contain a vast amount of water under the conditions of the deep mantle." His observations lend credence to the idea that there might be a much more intricate and interconnected global water cycle than previously believed.
"I think we are finally witnessing evidence for a whole-Earth water cycle. This may very well shed light on the enormous amount of liquid water that graces the surface of our life-sustaining planet. For decades, the scientific community has been on the hunt for this elusive deep water," he elaborated.
How, one might ask, did scientists stumble upon this submerged treasure trove? The answer, intriguingly, lies in the relentless tremors and quakes our planet experiences. Researchers, delving deep into the Earth's seismic activities, realized that seismometers – devices designed to detect and record earthquakes – were capturing shockwaves originating from beneath the Earth's surface.
Through meticulous analysis of this data, the researchers concluded that these waves were interacting with the water held in the ringwoodite. To offer some perspective on the sheer volume of this subterranean water body: if the ringwoodite rock contained a mere 1% water, the Earth's crust would be sheltering a water volume thrice that of all the oceans combined on its surface.
While the vast expanse of our blue planet's oceans, rivers, and lakes have always captivated humanity, it is this concealed ocean, silently resting deep within the Earth's mantle, that is now compelling scientists and curious minds alike to reconsider our understanding of the Earth.
Such discoveries remind us of the boundless mysteries our planet holds and the exciting, uncharted waters (quite literally) of scientific exploration that lie ahead.
Indeed, in an era of staggering scientific discoveries, it is humbling realizations like these that make us marvel at the intricacies of the world we inhabit and the vast universe beyond.
Other hidden sources of water in the Earth's crust
Hidden sources of water within the Earth's crust are located in various forms and places, often far below the surface. Here are some key sources:
Mineral-Bound Water
- Certain minerals in the Earth's crust, like olivine, serpentine, and mica, can trap water within their crystal structures. For instance, serpentinized rocks (formed by a reaction between peridotite and water) contain chemically bound water that can be released under specific geological conditions, such as when these minerals undergo metamorphic transformations.
Deep Aquifers
- Groundwater isn't just near the surface; it can be found thousands of meters below in what are known as deep aquifers. These aquifers, often trapped in porous rocks, can contain ancient water, sometimes millions of years old. Accessing them is challenging due to extreme depths and high pressures, but they represent substantial water reserves.
Subduction Zones
- At tectonic boundaries where one plate is forced beneath another (subduction zones), water from the oceanic crust is dragged down into the mantle. Some of this water remains within the crust, chemically bound in minerals or in pore spaces, while some may eventually return to the surface through volcanic activity.
Pore Spaces and Fractures in Rocks
- The Earth's crust is fractured and porous, allowing water to seep into cracks and cavities. This water, known as pore water, can be found deep underground in rocks with high porosity, like sandstone. It may be released during tectonic events, such as earthquakes or when tectonic pressures change.
Mantle-Derived Water
- Although not part of the crust itself, water in the mantle can migrate into the crust. This mantle-derived water may reach the surface through volcanic activity or diffuse slowly into the crust, enriching the available water in certain regions. The water in the mantle is often stored within minerals formed at high pressures and temperatures.
Hydrated Rocks from Ancient Oceans
- Rocks formed at the bottom of ancient oceans often contain trapped seawater or are hydrated. When these rocks are buried or subducted into the crust, they carry this water with them, creating additional reservoirs of water deep below the Earth’s surface.
Fluid Inclusions in Rocks
- Small bubbles or pockets, known as fluid inclusions, can trap tiny amounts of water within rocks as they form. These inclusions can be remnants of ancient seawater or water from other geological processes, and though individually small, they collectively contribute to the hidden water sources in the crust.
These hidden water reservoirs play crucial roles in geological processes, such as tectonics and magmatism, and contribute to the global water cycle by releasing water into the atmosphere during volcanic eruptions or through rock metamorphism.
Note: Materials provided above by the The Brighter Side of News. Content may be edited for style and length.
Like these kind of feel good stories? Get the Brighter Side of News' newsletter.
