The Depths Below: Unveiling Earth's Subterranean Ocean

In a remarkable scientific breakthrough, researchers from Northwestern University, led by Steven Jacobsen, have uncovered a staggering discovery hidden deep within the Earth's mantle—a vast reservoir of water, equivalent to three times the volume of all the oceans on the planet. This hidden ocean, ensconced within the blue-tinged confines of ringwoodite, challenges long-held theories regarding the origins of Earth's water.

Steven Jacobsen, the driving force behind this endeavor, emphasizes the significance of this finding, stating, "This constitutes significant evidence supporting the notion that Earth's water originated internally." Their research suggests a departure from previous beliefs that cometary impacts were the primary source of Earth's water, instead proposing the intriguing idea that water might have gradually seeped from the planet's core.

Unveiling this underground ocean was no small feat. It involved deploying a vast network of 2000 seismographs across the United States, meticulously analyzing seismic waves emitted by over 500 earthquakes. Through this painstaking process, scientists were able to discern the presence of this extensive water reservoir deep within the Earth's interior.

This discovery has profound implications for our understanding of Earth's water cycle. It suggests that water may not only exist on the surface but also within the mantle, migrating through rock grains over geological timescales. Jacobsen underscores the importance of this hidden ocean in maintaining water beneath the Earth's surface, without which water would predominantly reside on the planet's surface, leaving only mountain peaks visible.

With this groundbreaking revelation at hand, researchers are now eager to collect additional seismic data globally to determine the prevalence of mantle melting. Their findings hold the promise of revolutionizing our comprehension of Earth's water cycle, offering fresh perspectives on one of the planet's most fundamental processes and the mysteries that lie beneath its surface.

Source: Timesofindia