When you glance at a world map, you might assume that humanity has long since uncovered all the oceans and seas that make up our planet. However, it’s astonishing to realize that only a decade ago, scientists stumbled upon a vast ocean hidden beneath the Earth’s surface—three times larger than all the seas combined.
This massive ocean, discovered in 2014, lies concealed beneath the Earth’s crust, tucked away over 400 miles deep in the Earth’s mantle, within a blue rock called ‘ringwoodite.’ Without this hidden reservoir, we might all be submerged underwater right now.
The revelation of this subterranean ocean has provided valuable insights into the origins of Earth’s water. While some geologists previously suggested that water arrived on Earth via comets, this discovery supports the notion that our oceans actually emerged from within the planet itself.
Steve Jacobsen, a geophysicist involved in the discovery, described the ringwoodite as a sponge-like mineral, capable of absorbing water and trapping it within its crystal structure. This mineral, found in the deep mantle, can hold significant amounts of water, offering compelling evidence that Earth’s water originated from within.
To unveil this hidden ocean, Jacobsen and his team employed 2,000 seismometers to study seismic waves generated by over 500 earthquakes. By analyzing the speed of these waves passing through different rock types, they identified regions where the waves slowed down, indicating the presence of water-containing ringwoodite.
Through their meticulous research, they concluded that Earth harbors a vast subterranean ocean, challenging conventional understanding and prompting further exploration to determine its extent.
Jacobsen expressed excitement at the prospect of unraveling the mysteries of this hidden ocean and its potential implications for Earth’s water cycle. As scientists continue to delve into this fascinating discovery, they aim to ascertain whether this ocean spans the entire globe—a tantalizing prospect that promises to unveil more about our planet’s enigmatic depths.
