Q: What was the significant geological discovery made beneath the Earth’s surface?
A: A massive reservoir of water, estimated to be three times the volume of all the Earth’s oceans, was discovered within a blue rock called ringwoodite, located about 700 kilometers underground in the mantle.
Q: How does this discovery impact our understanding of Earth’s water origins?
A: This finding supports the theory that Earth’s oceans may have originated from within the planet’s interior, challenging the previous notion that water was delivered by comets.
Q: What method was used to detect this hidden water reservoir?
A: The reservoir was identified by analyzing seismic waves from earthquakes. These waves slow down when passing through hydrated rock, indicating the presence of water.
Q: Does this discovery suggest that the Earth’s water cycle includes the interior of the planet?
A: Yes, the presence of water in the transition zone of the Earth’s mantle suggests that the planet’s water cycle extends into its interior.
Q: What are the implications of this water reservoir for the Earth’s surface oceans?
A: The deep water source could serve as a buffer for the surface oceans, potentially explaining why they have remained stable in size over millions of years.
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