A groundbreaking discovery by Northwestern University researchers reveals an enormous water reservoir deep beneath the Earth's surface, fundamentally altering our understanding of the planet's water origin. This vast underground ocean, found approximately 700 kilometers below us, challenges previously held notions about the Earth's water, suggesting it may have emanated from the planet's interior rather than being introduced from extraterrestrial sources.
The study, published in 2014 and titled "Dehydration melting at the top of the lower mantle," offers compelling evidence of the reservoir's existence within a type of blue rock known as ringwoodite. This mineral, situated in the Earth's mantle—the hot, dense layer of rock between the crust and the core—has the remarkable ability to store water within its structure. The mantle acts as a colossal sponge, holding water in the form of hydrogen and hydroxide ions.
Steven Jacobsen of Northwestern University, who played a pivotal role in the research, conveyed to New Scientist the significance of the discovery, emphasizing its implications for our understanding of Earth's water cycle. The existence of such a reservoir supports the theory that Earth's surface water originated from within, seeping out over time to form oceans.
The researchers utilized a network of 2000 seismometers to analyze the seismic waves generated by over 500 earthquakes. These waves, which travel through the Earth's interior and can be detected at the surface, provided invaluable insights into the subterranean world. By observing variations in wave speed at different depths, the team could identify the presence of dampened rock, indicating water.
This method of investigation highlights the dynamic and interconnected nature of Earth's layers, offering a glimpse into deep geological processes. Jacobsen likened the planet's reaction to seismic waves to a bell that continues to resonate long after the initial event, a phenomenon that allowed for the detailed analysis of the underground landscape.
The discovery not only enriches our understanding of Earth's geology but also carries profound implications for the global water cycle. According to Jacobsen, without this deep reservoir, Earth's surface would be vastly different, with significantly higher sea levels covering much of the land. This hidden ocean, therefore, plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of water on and within our planet. It could very well be that the oceans we know are actually LEAKAGE of this proto-ocean, a huge body of water coming from inside the earth.
Above is the traditional section of what we THOUGHT Earth's mantle and core looked like. Now imagine that between the different parts is a huge body of water, slowly leaking out to the oceans we know.
Supporting evidence from a separate 2014 study by the University of Alberta researchers further solidifies the findings. They analyzed a diamond expelled from deep within the Earth by a volcano, which contained traces of water-bearing ringwoodite. This additional proof underscores the prevalence of water in the Earth's mantle, specifically within the transition zone—a region characterized by dramatic shifts in temperature, pressure, and mineral composition, located between the upper and lower mantle.
Together, these studies revolutionize our comprehension of Earth's water sources, suggesting a much more complex and internally driven water cycle than previously thought. The existence of such an immense subterranean ocean opens new avenues for research, potentially reshaping our approach to studying Earth's geological and hydrological phenomena.
Learning Nature: The Lunatic Biology of the Sunfish
This video delves into the mysteries of sunfish's anatomy, unusual growth patterns, and its peculiar diet
3 Surefire Ways to Always Identify Pseudoscience
Find out how you can identify pseudoscience, and learn how it differs from actual science.
Started as an Experiment, Ended up Being a Pet!
That's not a monster in the depths, that's only an octopus! And once you get to know her, you'll see that she's a load of fun. Meet Heidi.
Fred is a Sailor Cat, Living the Boat Life...
Like a fish in the water, or, in this case, like a cat on a boat!
Visit the World's First Commercial Coral Farm
This process is called assisted evolution, and it sheds the future in bright light.
This Giant Tank Will Unlock the Universe’s Big Mysteries
Japan is building a huge underground tank inside a mountain to help unlock the many mysteries of the universe.
Fascinating Science: How Old Can We Actually Get?
All things being equal, and technology continually progressing - How old can a human body really get?
3 Surefire Ways to Always Identify Pseudoscience
Find out how you can identify pseudoscience, and learn how it differs from actual science.
New Study: There is a Sure Way to Slow Aging
This new study confirms what has long been suspected: The less calories we consume, the slower we age.
14 of the Most Fascinating Specialized Tools You'll See
We bet you haven’t seen these unique tools before!
Here Are the 16 Oldest Household Objects in the World
If you think ancient life is remote, these pre-historic household items will make you think again. Just look at how old they are!
6 Fascinating Stories of Accidental Medical Discoveries
From penicillin to pacemakers, here are the medical breakthroughs that were discovered by accident.
The BIGGEST Indoor Ocean in the World - Jaw-Dropping!
Did you know that the US Navy has a football field-sized indoor ocean that can create any wave?
10 New Things We've Learned About The Brain
We have learned some astonishing new things about the human brain in recent times.
Why is Everyone Obsessed with This Weight-Loss Tool?
Ozempic has been touted as a wonder drug for weight loss in recent months. But what's the real truth behind it?
Experience the True Scale of Heavenly Bodies
Witness the true scale of planets, stars and galaxies in this incredible video that sheds light on size in our universe.
Is There Any Way To Destroy or Deflect Asteroids?
Watch an interview with Cathy Plesko, a leading scientist working on preparing for the dangers of an asteroid attack
Scary Stories: 11 of the World's Creepiest Experiments
Truth is stranger than fiction, and this can be said for occurrences in the scientific world too. Here are 11 of the world's creepiest experiments
What on Earth Is a Black Hole? This Video Explains All...
What on Earth are black holes, how do they affect us, and should we be at all worried about their existence? Find out here.
Revolutionize Your Green Space: 12 Cool Garden Gadgets
Take your garden to the next level with the amazingly cool inventions and gadgets.
Why Do We LAUGH? 7 Studies on the Origins of Humor
As pervasive as it is in our lives, the origin of laughter remains an intriguing enigma. This article investigates the origins of laughter and humor.
The Story of the Internet: Who REALLY Invented It?
Who really invented the internet, and why did they REALLY do it?
You Won't Believe That These Things Exist in Japan...
If there's one place on this planet that well and truly at the forefront of modern technology, it has got to be Japan, as these inventions prove...
The Facts You Didn't Know About the Human Body...
Discover 120 fascinating and surprising facts about your body you may not have known. Going over most of the body parts, you will learn so much you never knew about the body we all use.
The History of Our Planet in One Beautiful Spiral...
This beautiful infographic offers us a remarkable story – the history of Planet Earth.
20 Incredible Inventions That We Have Completely Lost
Here are some of the most amazing ideas and inventions we have ever seen. But, sadly, all of them have been lost to science in the mysterious mists of history.
Fascinating: What is the Deepest Hole Humanity Has Dug?
This video explains how low humanity has dug down so far.
20 Useful Facts About the Science of Cooking
The science behind cooking is not often thought of, but it plays a crucial role in a dish turning out right. Here are 20 facts on the science of cooking.
How Do the Drugs We Take Affect Our Brain?
We take many pills these days. What is it exactly that they DO to our brain? Find out now.
This Visual Shows the Science Behind the Shape of Rivers
A fascinating visual model that explains why and how rivers change their course.
Toilets: The Greatest Medical Advancement in Human History
While toilets make some people laugh, they are actually a deadly serious medical advancement. This video explains what toilets mean to civilization.
What Does Medicine ACTUALLY Do In the Body? Fascinating.
What really happens in our bodies when we take medicine, have you ever wondered? This video will answer your question.
These 11 Brain Facts Are Enough to Boggle Your Mind
When you consider the sheer complexity of the human brain, it's difficult to wrap your head around it. Learn these 11 fascinating facts about the human brain.
When Under a Microscope, Even Ordinary Things Seem Alien
Have you ever given any thought to what every day things look like under a microscope? Some of these images are truly beautiful - see for yourself in the images below.
Ever Wonder What Life Is Like if We Zoom In All the Way?
A selection of some of the winning photographs from Nikon's yearly macro photography contest.
Scientists Finally Know Why We Love Cute Things
We find some things to be irresistibly cute. But why? Let’s find out.
STUDY: The Effect of Personality on Our Level of Happiness
Researchers finally know which types of people will always be happier than others.
Whatever Happened to that Hole in the Ozone Layer?
Let's embark on this enlightening journey to better understand our atmosphere's health.
2023 in Science: Biggest Discoveries You Missed!
Let’s take a look at the most amazing scientific discoveries that made news this year.
Check Out This Radio-Controlled Lego-Powered Submarine
This is the height of creativity! Check out this insanely cool Lego submarine. It actually works!
These Things All Say Something About Your Body Or Mind
There are many things that you can determine about your body and mind just by looking at yourself. Here are 10 things that your body says about you.
Remembering the Life and Wisdom of Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking possessed one of the greatest minds the world has ever seen, but was also impaired by a debilitating disease. Here are his life ant times.
Chocolate Exposed! Here's What It Does to Your Brain!
Just what is it that makes chocolate so irresistible to so many people around the world? Find all of the answers in the article.
This Secret Invention Changed the Course of WW2
Let’s take a closer look at the proximity fuze, also called Vt Fuze, an invention that changed the course of the second World War.
These Inventions Prove the Middle Ages Were Not So “Dark”
These groundbreaking inventions prove the Middle Ages were not so “dark,” after all!
The McGurk Effect - Don't Believe Your Eyes!
What we hear can be affected by what we see...
How To Be Sure Your Dog Adores You
10 scientific ways to know if your dog loves you