Determining the origin of water on Earth

For years, the scientific community has never been able to know where the water is present on our planet: it is formed by the planet itself, or brought by the meteorite. However, researchers at the University of Hawaii (USA) believe they have found the answer.

Found water origin on Earth

By analyzing ancient rock layers on Baffin Island (Canada), researchers have found authentic evidence that water is what always exists on our Earth. Specifically, scientists have found crystals containing tiny droplets of water inside the rock layer here.

Analysis of ancient rock layers at Baffin Island (Canada).

These layers of rock come from the Earth's crust - that is not affected by extraterrestrial factors . And the water found in it has the same ingredients as the water we still see today.

Water is made up of oxygen and hydrogen molecules, in which hydrogen has three distinct forms of hydrogen : deuterium and tritium . Water created by oxygen and deuterium is called heavy water . Experts say that comets or meteors, if they contain water, will mostly be heavy water.

Researchers also do not reject the possibility of water coming from meteorites, but they believe that this water cannot explain why our planet has giant oceans.

Comets or meteors can add water to the Earth, but not significantly.

According to Dr. Lydia Hallis, research director: "It is possible that meteorites have brought more water to the Earth, but our data show that the Earth has water right from the beginning, and the source of water coming from meteorite doesn't mean much. "

The study is published in the journal Science.