For centuries, humanity has believed that Earth’s water primarily exists on the surface in the form of oceans, lakes, rivers, and ice masses. However, this discovery—well hidden ocean beneath the mantle—has blown away that old belief. Ringwoodite—an unassuming mineral buried deep in the Earth’s core—about 700 kilometers underground—has been discovered.
The Role Of Ringwoodite
The reservoir of this underground ocean is estimated to be three times larger than all the surface oceans combined. However, it does not comprise liquid water. Instead, the water is locked inside the crystal structure of a rare blue mineral called ringwoodite. Ringwoodite has been found deep within the mantle and has the unique ability to absorb and retain water.
A Seismic Discovery
Scientists driven by Northwestern College’s Steven Jacobsen utilize seismic waves to distinguish a hidden ocean underneath the Earth’s surface. Over 2,000 seismographs across the US provided analysts with data on the speed of seismic waves passing through Earth’s layers. Significant slowing down of waves at certain depths referred to the presence of water-richer rocks.
Implications For Earth’s Water Cycle And Origins
This seismic discovery has extremely drastic consequences for our understanding of the origin of Earth’s water cycle and origins. For many years, comets believed to have collided with Earth were thought to be the source of Earth’s water. Instead, a great underground ocean possibly means that waters could have risen from the inner womb of the planet over millions of years.
A Deeper Connection
This secret ocean may play an important role in regulating long-term stability at Earth’s surface. It could cycle water from the planet’s interior to its surface and back again, determining aspects of the climate and tectonic activity.
Future Research
Such a hidden ocean sparks more questions. Scientists are planning further research to explore the existence of additional global water reservoirs and their potential impacts on Earth’s geology, climate, and habitability.
A New Perspective On Our Planet
This research considerably shifted the boundaries of our knowledge regarding where Earth’s waters are. The vast, yet subterranean ocean beneath our feet exemplifies the intricate and interconnected nature of the planet’s systems. Future discoveries in Earth’s depths are expected to significantly alter our understanding of the world we live in.
