Scientists studying a mineral called ringwoodite \u2014 a type of blue rock found in Earth\u2019s mantle \u2014 found that it can trap enormous amounts of water within its crystal structure. Buried roughly 700 kilometers underground, this hidden reservoir forms what many describe as a \u201cmantle ocean,\u201d one so massive that it challenges everything we thought we knew about Earth\u2019s hydrological past.<\/p>\n
Some researchers believe this discovery could completely reshape theories about how the oceans formed. Instead of being delivered from space, Earth\u2019s water may have slowly leaked outward from within \u2014 a concept that turns the traditional story on its head.<\/p>\n
How Scientists Found an Ocean Without Water<\/p>\n
Detecting an ocean you can\u2019t see, touch, or dive into is no small feat. To uncover this underground wonder, geophysicists deployed more than 2,000 seismographs across the United States and analyzed seismic waves from over 500 earthquakes.<\/p>\n
When seismic waves travel through wet rock, they slow down. That tiny delay, measured with extreme precision, allowed scientists to pinpoint enormous pockets of water trapped deep below the crust. As Northwestern University researcher Steven Jacobsen explained, \u201cIt\u2019s the most compelling evidence we have that Earth\u2019s water came from within.\u201d
According to Jacobsen, this vast reservoir could also explain why ocean levels have stayed relatively stable for millions of years. Without this hidden buffer, the planet might look drastically different \u2014 with vast areas flooded and only the highest mountains rising above the waterline.<\/p>\n
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Rethinking the Earth\u2019s Water Cycle<\/p>\n