Researchers have found evidence that ancient oceans existed hundreds of millions of years ago, deep inside the Earth’s mantle. Published in Nature, the research found that the completely hidden oceans existed between 250 and 750 million years ago, and were about the same size and scope as the comparatively shallow oceans that exist at the planet’s surface today. The discovery was made through the study of crystals of ringwoodite, which contain water deep inside the mantle, located at a depth of around 410km to 660km below the Earth’s surface.
Researchers Find Evidence of Ancient Oceans Buried Deep Beneath the Earth’s Mantle
Recent research has revealed evidence of ancient oceans that were buried deep beneath the Earth’s mantle. The findings were published in the journal, Nature, and offer new insights into the history of our planet’s oceans and the geological processes that have shaped it over time.
According to the research, the oceans likely existed between 250 and 750 million years ago, and were similar in size and scope to the oceans we are familiar with today. However, instead of being on the planet’s surface, they were located deep within the Earth’s mantle, hidden from view.
The discovery was made possible by studying crystals of a type of mineral called ringwoodite that were found deep within the Earth’s mantle. These crystals are known to trap tiny amounts of water inside them, allowing researchers to analyze them and determine their content.
Using high-powered X-ray diffraction machines to examine the crystals, researchers were able to detect traces of hydrogen and oxygen within them. They concluded that the water contained within the crystals came from a deep, ancient ocean that was located at a depth of around 410 to 660 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface.
The findings provide new insight into the processes that shape our planet, as well as the history of its oceans. It is believed that the water within the ancient ocean was brought to its depth by a process known as subduction, whereby oceanic plates are pushed deep beneath the Earth’s surface.
This process creates intense heat and pressure, which can cause the water within the ocean to dissociate into its component hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Over time, these atoms can combine with other minerals within the mantle to form the mineral ringwoodite, which contains tiny traces of water.
While the discovery of ancient oceans within the Earth’s mantle may seem surprising, it is important to note that much of the Earth’s water is believed to have been brought to its surface in this way. It is estimated that up to 90% of the Earth’s water may have originated within the mantle, and it is likely that additional ancient oceans may be discovered in the future.
The discovery of ancient oceans within the Earth’s mantle also has implications for our understanding of the deep biosphere, which refers to the portion of the Earth’s crust and mantle that is inhabited by microorganisms. While the conditions within the mantle are harsh and inhospitable to most life forms, it is possible that some extremophile bacteria may be able to survive there, and the discovery of water-rich environments within the mantle may provide new habitats for these organisms.
FAQs
Q: How were the ancient oceans discovered?
A: The ancient oceans were discovered by analyzing crystals of the mineral ringwoodite, which were found deep within the Earth’s mantle.
Q: How did the water get to such a deep depth?
A: The water within the ancient ocean was likely brought to its depth by a process known as subduction, whereby oceanic plates are pushed deep beneath the Earth’s surface.
Q: What are the implications of the discovery for our understanding of the Earth’s history?
A: The discovery of ancient oceans within the Earth’s mantle provides new insight into the processes that shape our planet and the history of its oceans.
Q: Are there likely to be more ancient oceans found in the future?
A: Yes, it is likely that additional ancient oceans may be discovered in the future as researchers continue to examine the Earth’s mantle.
