The largest source of water on land is actually groundwater and not ice sheets, with most of that water being ancient. Groundwater is water that is underneath the Earth’s surface and is stored in tiny cracks within rocks and soil particles. Groundwater can go very deep into the subsurface, as far as 10 kilometers down. Scientists had previously estimated that the volume of Earth’s groundwater would just focus on 2 kilometers of the upper area of the Earth’s crust, but new research shows it’s 10 kilometers below.
Key Takeaways:
- Estimates of the amount of groundwater on Earth have increased now that they take into account deeper beneath the Earth’s surface.
- Much of the water stored at great depths beneath the Earth’s surface is incredibly old and can be a potentially valuable resource.
- Scientists have yet to fully explore and understand the environmental implications of deep groundwater.
“As groundwater researchers, we’re interested in how governments and industries might use these extensive groundwater reservoirs, such as for storing liquid waste and carbon dioxide.”
