Scientists discover gigantic ocean 700 km beneath the Earth’s surface

In an astounding revelation, researchers have uncovered yet another massive ocean hidden beneath the Earth's crust! According to the most recent findings, scientists have identified an immense reservoir of water, boasting a volume three times larger than that of all Earth's surface oceans combined. This subterranean water body lies deep within the planet, approximately 700 km beneath the Earth's surface. The groundbreaking discovery was made by a team of scientists from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

In their quest to unveil the origins of Earth's water, scientists stumbled upon a striking revelation: a sprawling ocean concealed deep within the Earth's mantle, well below its surface. Encased within ringwoodite, a distinctive rock distinguished by its vibrant blue coloration, this covert body of water poses a profound challenge to our comprehension of the planet's hydrological cycle.
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The vast size of this concealed ocean prompts a reassessment of Earth's water cycle, indicating a possible shift away from theories that prioritize comet impacts as the primary source. Instead, increasing backing suggests that Earth's oceans may have slowly surfaced from its interior over time.
The scientific endeavour behind this revelation was led by Steven Jacobsen, a researcher at Northwestern University, who asserts, “This constitutes significant evidence supporting the notion that Earth's water originated internally.”

Discovering the existence of this subterranean ocean required deploying a vast network of 2000 seismographs throughout the United States. These instruments methodically analysed seismic waves generated by more than 500 earthquakes. As these waves traversed the inner depths of the Earth, including its core, they decelerated upon encountering damp rock, signaling the existence of this extensive water reservoir.
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This discovery potentially reshapes our understanding of Earth’s water cycle, proposing that water may exist within the mantle, migrating amid rock grains. Jacobsen stresses the reservoir's significance, highlighting its role in maintaining water beneath Earth’s surface, without which water would predominantly reside on the planet’s surface, rendering only mountain peaks visible.

Researchers are enthusiastic about gathering more seismic data worldwide following this groundbreaking revelation, aiming to determine the extent of mantle melting. Their findings hold the potential to revolutionize our understanding of Earth's water cycle, offering new perspectives on one of the planet's fundamental processes.