In 2014, scientists made a revolutionary discovery of a vast water body beneath the Earth's crust, contained within the mineral ringwoodite. This subterranean reservoir, potentially holding three times the water of Earth's surface, opens new avenues in our understanding of the planet's water sources and geological processes. In a groundbreaking study published in 2014, scientists have unveiled the presence of a massive water body located deep under the Earth’s crust, extending beyond our imagination. This colossal reservoir of water, trapped within a mineral called ‘Ringwoodite,’ is believed to hold almost three times the amount of water found on the Earth’s surface. The Discovery Researchers have stumbled upon an astonishing finding that challenges previous notions about Earth’s water sources. Below 700 kilometers under the Earth’s crust, within a layer of rock known as ‘Ringwoodite,’ lies a water body far surpassing the combined volume of the world’s oceans, seas, and rivers. How Was It Found? The revelation was made possible through the analysis of seismic activities. Scientists used seismometers to detect shockwaves traveling beneath the Earth’s surface, providing insights into the structures deep within. Through this method, coupled with high-pressure laboratory experiments and numerical modeling, researchers were able to infer the presence of this vast water reservoir. The Role of Ringwoodite Ringwoodite, a mineral formed under extreme pressure and temperature conditions, possesses unique properties that allow it to absorb and retain water. The study titled “Dehydration melting at the top of the lower mantle” delves into the characteristics of ringwoodite, explaining its capacity to act as a natural sponge holding onto vast quantities of water. Implications of the Discovery This discovery sheds light on potential new sources of water within our planet, suggesting that Earth’s water might not solely originate from external sources like comets, as previously speculated. The existence of such a large water body beneath the surface opens up exciting avenues for understanding the dynamics of Earth’s water cycle and its origins. The Largest Water Source While the Pacific and Indian Oceans are known as the largest water bodies on the Earth’s surface, this subterranean reservoir could potentially be the largest source of water on Earth. Its discovery prompts a reevaluation of our current understanding of the distribution and availability of water on our planet. Future Prospects The implications of this discovery are vast, ranging from scientific curiosity to practical applications. Researchers are hopeful that further study could reveal methods to tap into this subterranean water source, potentially offering solutions to global water scarcity issues. However, the feasibility of accessing and utilizing this water remains a topic for future investigation. This article is written by Akansha Gupta