Why is it in the news?

• Researchers have identified a massive reservoir of water located approximately 700 kilometres beneath the Earth’s surface, contained within a mineral called
• This subterranean ocean is reported to be three times larger in volume compared to all of the Earth’s surface oceans combined, signifying its immense size and significance.

More about the news

• Scientists inferred the presence of this reservoir by analyzing the speed of seismic waves generated by earthquakes. This enabled them to study the composition of the Earth’s inner layers, leading to the discovery of ringwoodite and its water-absorbing properties.
• Ringwoodite is a mineral found in the Earth’s transition zone. It possesses a unique crystal structure that enables it to absorb water and hydrogen, effectively behaving like a sponge.
• One of the notable characteristics of ringwoodite is its ability to hold a significant amount of water.
• The discovery of this massive reservoir of water deep within the Earth’s mantle has significant implications for our understanding of the planet’s composition, water cycle, and geological processes.
• It sheds light on previously unknown aspects of Earth’s interior and could potentially reshape scientific theories about the distribution and availability of water on our planet.