Discovery of an Underground Ocean
Scientists have recently uncovered a vast underground ocean located 400 miles beneath Earth’s surface. This immense reservoir is stored within a mineral known as “ringwoodite,” found deep in the Earth’s mantle.
Unconventional State of Water
The water discovered is held in a unique state within ringwoodite, which has a sponge-like crystal structure. This state is neither solid, liquid, nor gas, but represents a novel fourth state of matter. The mineral’s special structure allows it to attract hydrogen and trap water effectively.
Implications for Earth’s Water Cycle
Geophysicist Steve Jacobsen, part of the research team, noted that this discovery could be crucial for understanding the Earth’s water cycle. He emphasized that finding this deep water might help explain the significant amount of liquid water on the planet’s surface. Scientists have been seeking evidence of this deep-sea water for decades.
Quantity of Water Beneath the Surface
If the ringwoodite contains just 1% water, it suggests that there is three times more water beneath the Earth’s surface than in all the oceans combined. This finding significantly enhances our knowledge of Earth’s geology and hidden water resources.
Additional Discoveries
In related research, scientists earlier found a new ecosystem by examining volcanic crust with an underwater robot. This adds to our understanding of Earth’s complex and largely unexplored environments.
