Oxford Scientists Challenge Long-Held Beliefs About Earth’s Water Origin
2 Min Read
In a groundbreaking development, scientists from the University of Oxford, England have discovered compelling evidence that may rewrite our understanding of how water formed on Earth. The study, titled “The Source of Hydrogen in Earth’s Building Blocks”, challenges the widely accepted theory that hydrogen – a key ingredient for water – was delivered via asteroids.
Instead, the research suggests that hydrogen may have already been present on Earth during its formation. This discovery significantly shifts the narrative surrounding the origin of water, one of the most fundamental components of life on our planet.
Using a rare meteorite known as LAR 12252, collected from Antarctica, the Oxford researchers conducted in-depth analysis using a technique called X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) spectroscopy. They identified the presence of hydrogen sulphide within the meteorite, strongly indicating that Earth’s building blocks were already rich in hydrogen.
Lead researcher Tom Barrett, a DPhil student in Oxford’s Department of Earth Sciences, expressed his excitement at the findings: “We were incredibly excited when the analysis told us the sample contained hydrogen sulphide – just not where we expected! This finding supports the theory that water on Earth is native.”
The study also received support from co-author Associate Professor James Bryson, who highlighted the broader implications of the discovery: “This research supports the idea that the formation of water on Earth was a natural process, not a result of random asteroid collisions. It reshapes how we view Earth’s development and the availability of life-essential resources.”
This revelation places the United Kingdom at the forefront of planetary science and deepens global understanding of Earth’s early history. It may also have far-reaching implications for the study of water on other celestial bodies, including Mars and distant exoplanets.
Source: SHIKSHA
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