The figures regarding the amount of water disappearing from Earth may send shivers down your spine!
Water is an essential element in human life: Approximately 3/4 of the Earth’s surface is covered by water.
In our perception, the water supply seems relatively stable, but currently, the amount of water on Earth is continuously depleting at an alarming rate. The volume of water flowing into the Earth’s core each year reaches tens of billions of tons, which many people might not expect.
In a study published in the journal Science, Dr. Reager stated that, based on calculations from this data, about 3 trillion tons of water flow into the Earth and accumulate in the soil, aquifers, and more. One can imagine how immense the amount of water that the Earth is “drinking” is. This data has also been recognized by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The cause of this phenomenon is the movement of the crust, which causes the surface of the Earth to become a “water-absorbing” region. For example, in the water-rich area of the Mariana Trench, there is a significant amount of water nearly 20 miles (approximately 32 km) beneath the ocean floor. It is estimated that the amount of water being drawn inward is 3 to 4 times more than initially predicted.
However, since this research requires time and effort, scientists have only obtained preliminary figures. To verify these results, scientists have specially arranged a network of seismic sensors around the Mariana Trench. Although the expert team can assess the depth of groundwater based on data, they cannot calculate the volume and quality of the water.
The reason for this phenomenon is due to the collision between continental crust and oceanic crust. Since the continental crust is lighter and thicker, the oceanic crust gradually sinks under the influence of gravity. At this point, a large amount of water will flow into the “void” in this geological layer.
Water will return to the Earth’s surface through volcanoes (Image: Sohu)
According to related reports, the water that the Earth “swallows” will return to the atmosphere through steam from volcanic eruptions and subsequently return to the surface through rainfall. This creates a water cycle model. However, this idea has been opposed by some scientists and there is no official conclusion yet.
No matter what hypothesis is proposed, it cannot change the fact that the Earth is “frantically” consuming water. Many people may soon worry about drinking water issues in the future; however, this phenomenon does not significantly impact our daily lives.
Because the water supply on Earth is like human blood: It continuously circulates, forming a cycle that has been maintained for hundreds of millions of years. If the water that is swallowed into the Earth does not return to the surface in another form, then nothing would exist in this world.
However, humanity must also raise awareness about protecting water resources, valuing water, and using it wisely; otherwise, we and future generations will ultimately bear the consequences of water resource waste.
