Uncovering Earth’s Hidden Water Reservoirs: What Lies Beneath the Surface
Have you ever stopped to think about how much water lies hidden beneath the Earth's surface? A recent study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters has shed light on this fascinating topic, revealing that more of Earth's water is actually held underground in the soil or in pores in rock — known as groundwater — than in the planet's ice caps and glaciers.
Have you ever stopped to think about how much water lies hidden beneath the Earth's surface? A recent study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters has shed light on this fascinating topic, revealing that more of Earth's water is actually held underground in the soil or in pores in rock — known as groundwater — than in the planet's ice caps and glaciers.
According to Grant Ferguson, a hydrogeologist at the University of Saskatchewan and lead author of the study, there are approximately 43.9 million cubic kilometers (10.5 million cubic miles) of water in the Earth's crust. To put this into perspective, the ice in Antarctica holds about 6.5 million cubic miles of water, while Earth's oceans contain a whopping 312 million cubic miles of water.
Groundwater, in particular, is a significant reservoir of water globally, second only to the Earth's oceans. A 2015 study estimated that there were 5.4 million cubic miles of shallow groundwater in the upper 1.2 miles of Earth's crust. However, the recent 2021 study expanded this estimate by considering groundwater within the upper 6.2 miles of the Earth's crust, more than doubling the previously estimated amount of groundwater.
One interesting finding from the study is the presence of deep groundwater, which is typically salty and isolated from the rest of the planet's water. This ancient brine, trapped for long periods of time, could offer valuable insights into Earth's past and support microbial ecosystems that are still active today. These deep biological communities may hold clues about the evolution of life on Earth and other planets with water hidden beneath their surfaces.
As Jennifer McIntosh, a hydrogeochemist at the University of Arizona and co-author of the study, aptly puts it, there is still so much more to explore about water at depths on Earth and beyond. The hidden reservoirs of water beneath our feet are a testament to the mysteries that lie beneath the surface of our planet, waiting to be uncovered.
Hey, I'm Fateh Muhammad, a Lahore local with a passion for arts and politics. My journey led me through the halls of the National College of Arts, where I delved into the intricacies of both disciplines. Now calling Lahore home, I'm here to share my insights and perspectives on the dynamic intersection of art and politics. Let's embark on this enlightening journey together! Connect With Me .