On an extraordinary journey underground, scientists have discovered the oldest known water, offering new insights into ancient life and survival on Earth. Harsh conditions. This journey sheds light on the possibilities of life on other worlds.
The oldest water in the world – Photo: Adventures in History/Reproduction
Discovery in the Canadian depths
A team of geologists, led by distinguished professor Barbara Sherwood Lollar, has made an unprecedented discovery while exploring a mine in Canada.
They found an underground water reservoir estimated to be between 1.5 billion and 2.64 billion years old, which defied expectations with its sheer size.
Located at a depth of about 3 kilometers in a mine in Canada, this discovery represents the oldest water ever found on Earth.
A window into ancient life
Analysis of sulfates in water revealed signs of microbiological processes that occurred over a long period.
Assistant Professor Long Li shed light on the discovery, explaining that Microbes They survived by using materials formed from radiation, and adapted to an environment devoid of sunlight.
This discovery suggests that life forms can persist in extreme conditions, an idea that expands our understanding of the resilience of life.
The taste of time
The discovery sparked online speculation about the taste of this ancient water. Defying expectations, the research team, including Professor Lollar, shared their personal experience tasting the water.
Described as salty and bitter, with a mineral concentration far exceeding what is found in modern oceans, the experiment offers a unique perspective on conditions on Earth billions of years ago.
The presence of this ancient liquid not only sheds light on aspects of our planet's history, but also increases the odds of finding life on others.
This discovery reinforces the idea that bodies of water are in similar conditions Other worlds They could harbor life forms, and this challenges what we know about the habitats necessary for survival.
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