Ever wondered how Earth went from a blazing magma ball to the blue planet we know today? 🌏 Researchers from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry under the Chinese Academy of Sciences on the Chinese mainland have a new theory: the deep mantle acted as a massive water reservoir over 4 billion years ago.
In a study released this week in Science, the team used high-pressure lab experiments to show that minerals deep below the crust can trap huge amounts of water. Simply put, our planet’s interior worked like a natural sponge, storing water that later fueled ocean formation, powered plate tectonics, and set the stage for life.
Why does this matter? Understanding where Earth’s water came from helps us predict how other planets might evolve—and hints at where to look for oceans in distant solar systems. Pretty mind-blowing when you think about it! 🤯
Next time you sip tea in Delhi or scroll through memes in Jakarta, remember: the water in your cup might trace back to deep within the Earth. Science is making our world feel even more connected! 💧✨
Reference(s):
Chinese scientists reveal how deep mantle water made Earth habitable
cgtn.com
