Beneath the familiar expanse of our oceans lies a hidden kingdom, a subterranean world of water buried in the Earth's mantle. This vast reservoir of water, three times the volume of all surface oceans combined, is known as the Mantle Transition Zone (MTZ). It is a place of extreme conditions, with temperatures reaching 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit and pressures millions of times greater than at sea level. Yet amid this harsh environment, scientists believe that life has found a way to thrive.
Discovery of underground oceans:
The existence of subsurface oceans was first hypothesized in the 1960s, but it wasn't until the 21st century that scientists had the technology to confirm their presence. In 2014, a team of researchers led by Graham Pearson of the University of Alberta used seismic waves to probe the Earth's interior, discovering a characteristic "slow zone" where seismic waves travel at a reduced speed. This slow zone has been interpreted as evidence of the existence of a layer of aquifer, which is the first concrete evidence of the existence of a subterranean ocean.
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Life in an extreme state:
The extreme working conditions of MTZ are a huge challenge for life. However, scientists believe that some microorganisms, known as extremophiles, have adapted to thrive in this harsh environment. These extremophiles are believed to rely on chemosynthesis, a process that generates energy through chemical reactions rather than sunlight, to survive.
Exploration of hidden depths:
Although the existence of subsurface oceans has been confirmed, much remains to be learned about these hidden worlds. Scientists use a variety of methods to study these underground realms, including seismic imaging, laboratory experiments, and theoretical modeling. These efforts are aimed at understanding the composition, formation and potential for life in these subsurface oceans.
What scientists say:
"The discovery of the subsurface oceans opened a whole new frontier in our exploration of the Earth," says Dr. Pearson. "These oceans could have harbored entirely new life forms and may have played a crucial role in the early history of our planet."
The underground oceans beneath our feet are a testament to the diversity and resilience of life on Earth. These hidden worlds offer a glimpse into the extreme conditions that exist on our planet, and they challenge our understanding of the limits of life. As we continue to explore these subterranean realms, we may discover new insights into the origins and evolution of life on Earth and beyond.
Literature:
Pearson G. and others. (2014). Transition zone of the water mantle revealed by seismic waves. Nature Geoscience, 7(1), 624-629.
Stamenov I.A., Vance D. (2018). Underground oceans on Earth and other planets. Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, 46(1), 85-113.
O'Neill, CH and others. (2020). Population of subduction zone fluids and implications for life on other planets. Astrobiology, 20 (2), 229-243.
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