Scientists at Northwestern University in Illinois, USA, have made a remarkable discovery that has left the scientific community astounded: evidence suggesting the existence of a massive body of water deep within the Earth’s interior, extending more than 400 miles beneath the surface. This finding, reminiscent of the imaginative tales of Jules Verne, has sparked widespread interest and speculation.
Published in 2014, the research paper titled “Dehydration melting at the top of the lower mantle” proposes the existence of a deep reservoir of water located between 250 and 410 miles underground. The study suggests that a mineral known as ringwoodite, found beneath the Earth’s crust, could be harboring significant quantities of water.
This revelation challenges previous assumptions about the Earth’s internal composition and has implications for our understanding of the planet’s geological processes.
For years, scientists have theorized the presence of a vast reservoir of water beneath the Earth’s surface.
Geophysicist Steve Jacobsen, one of the lead researchers, remarked on the significance of the discovery, emphasizing its potential to elucidate the Earth’s water cycle and the origins of the water present on the planet’s surface. He highlighted the role of geological phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic activity as manifestations of processes occurring deep within the Earth, beyond immediate observation.
The Earth’s structure comprises distinct layers: the surface crust, the predominantly solid mantle constituting over 80% of the planet, and the molten outer and inner cores. The transition zone of the mantle, located between the upper and lower sections, is believed to be conducive to the storage of water within crystalline rocks.
It is believed that crystalline rocks store a greater amount of water underground than is present on the Earth’s surface.
According to National Geographic, crystals in this zone hold as much water as all the oceans combined. As temperature and pressure increase towards the bottom of the transition zone, minerals like ringwoodite undergo transformations, releasing water vapor that contributes to the maintenance of a consistent water reservoir within the mantle.
As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries hidden beneath the Earth’s surface, the discovery of this mysterious ocean represents a significant step forward in our quest to comprehend the complexities of our planet.
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