A recent study has confirmed one of the most accepted theories within the scientific community: Terrestrial depths hide vast water deposits, whose quantity could exceed three times the volume of the current oceans. This discovery not only alters what is known about the water cycle and terrestrial geology, but also could solve one of the great enigmas of our planet. The finding comes from an article published in the journal Science, in which geophysicist Steve Jacobsen from Northwestern University participated. According to the study, water reserves would be located at some 660 kilometers under the earth’s crust. However, these waters have a particularity: they are stored within a mineral known as Ringwoodite.
This mineral has been described by Jacobsen as “a sponge that absorbs water”, thanks to its crystalline structure that allows it to attract hydrogen and retain water, despite the extreme pressures and temperatures of those depths. The discovery was possible through an advanced analysis of seismic data and the study of the geological layers of the Earth.
The study of the Earth’s geological layers has been crucial in understanding the water cycle and the discovery of these underground water deposits.
Understanding the Origin of Earth’s Water
This study has also shed new light on the possible origin of water on Earth. The theory that suggested that the water was brought by icy comets could be replaced by the hypothesis that the water was released from inside the planet through geological processes.
As Jacobsen explained, “I think we are finally seeing evidence of a global water cycle, which could explain the abundance of liquid water on the surface of our habitable planet. Scientists have been looking for this lost water for decades.”
Implications of the Discovery
The discovery of large amounts of water in the Ringwoodite can also contribute keys on phenomena such as volcanism, earthquakes, and plate tectonics. This discovery could have important implications in the future, especially as climate change endangers surface water supplies. Understanding these underground water deposits could help face the challenges related to water scarcity in the future.
The study of underground water deposits is crucial in addressing the challenges related to water scarcity and climate change.