Latest news with #geophysical
Sustainability Times
3 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'An Entire Ocean Lies Beneath Us': Scientists Reveal Massive Hidden Sea Deep Below Earth's Crust That Changes Everything
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 Scientists have discovered a vast reservoir of water hidden nearly 250 miles beneath the Earth's surface, significantly altering our understanding of the planet's geophysical processes . . 🔬 This water is trapped within a rare mineral called ringwoodite , which acts like a sponge, absorbing and retaining water in its unique crystalline structure. , which acts like a sponge, absorbing and retaining water in its unique crystalline structure. 🌍 The discovery implies a deeper global water cycle than previously thought, with potential insights into water formation on other planets. than previously thought, with potential insights into water formation on other planets. 🔎 The research involved analyzing seismic waves and conducting laboratory experiments to confirm that water is securely trapped within the ringwoodite, leading to a major scientific breakthrough. In a groundbreaking revelation, scientists have uncovered a massive reservoir of water hidden deep beneath the Earth's crust. This discovery, akin to finding an entire ocean nestled within the planet's mantle, challenges our existing understanding of Earth's internal processes. As we continue to explore the mysteries of our universe, it's astonishing to realize that our own planet still holds secrets waiting to be revealed. This hidden ocean, located nearly 250 miles below the surface, is reshaping our comprehension of the Earth's water cycle and geological dynamics. An Ocean Hidden in Earth's Mantle Deep within the Earth's mantle, at a staggering depth of 250 miles, scientists have identified a colossal reservoir of water. This water isn't held in liquid form, but is instead trapped within a rare mineral known as ringwoodite. The ringwoodite acts much like a sponge, absorbing and retaining water within its unique crystalline structure. This discovery significantly alters our perception of how water circulates below the Earth's surface. Unlike the water found in oceans or rivers, this reservoir exists in a unique state, suspended within the rock much like moisture within a sponge. The confirmation of this extraordinary phenomenon comes from geophysicists mapping the presence of this water using seismic waves produced by earthquakes. These waves revealed alterations as they passed through this region of the mantle, indicating the presence of water trapped within the ringwoodite. Such findings provide crucial insights into the potential volume of water stored beneath our feet, offering a new perspective on the Earth's hidden resources. 'Revolutionary Oral Treatment Shocks Experts': This New Sleep Apnea Remedy Slashes Respiratory Arrests by 56% Without a Maskatory Arrests by 56% Without a Mask The Implications for Earth's Water Cycle This remarkable discovery prompts a re-evaluation of the Earth's water cycle. Previously, the focus was primarily on the visible water cycle involving oceans, rivers, and lakes. The existence of this vast subterranean reservoir suggests a global water cycle that extends to much deeper levels than previously considered. Steve Jacobsen, the lead researcher, posits that this hidden water could explain how such vast quantities of water reached the Earth's surface. Understanding this global cycle might also shed light on water formation mechanisms on other planets and moons, where similar reservoirs may exist. The notion of deeply buried water enriches our comprehension of the planet's geological and climatic processes. It may also have significant implications for predicting natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, as it offers new clues about tectonic movements and internal pressures within the Earth. 'James Webb Spots Cosmic Shock': This Newly Found Ancient Structure Challenges Everything We Knew About the Early Universe The Research Behind the Discovery The discovery of this hidden ocean is the culmination of extensive and meticulous research. Scientists analyzed seismic waves captured by seismometers distributed worldwide. These instruments detected anomalies in how the waves traversed certain deep mantle regions, leading researchers to suspect the presence of water. By studying these waves, they confirmed that water was indeed trapped within ringwoodite, a mineral rarely observed at the surface but abundant in the mantle. Research involved laboratory experiments to recreate the extreme pressure and temperature conditions of the Earth's mantle. Researchers used synthesized ringwoodite samples to demonstrate its water absorption and retention capabilities, thus confirming seismic observations. This blend of empirical data and experimental simulations validated the hypothesis of a massive underground water reservoir. 'Newton Would Rise From His Grave': This Stunning 300-Year Upgrade to His Method Just Shattered the Limits of Modern Math and Physics Other Hidden Water Sources in the Earth's Crust Beyond the hidden ocean in the mantle, there are other concealed water sources within the Earth's crust. Mineralized waters are trapped within the crystalline structure of minerals such as olivine and serpentine. Additionally, deep aquifers contain ancient water, sometimes imprisoned for millions of years. Subduction zones, where tectonic plates overlap, are also potential reservoirs, as oceanic crust water is driven into the mantle. Fractures and porous spaces within rocks allow water to seep deeply, creating underground reserves. Furthermore, mantle-derived water released through volcanic activity adds to these hidden resources. These reservoirs play a crucial role in geological processes, influencing tectonic movements and the global hydrological cycle. Hidden Water Source Description Mineralized Waters Trapped within the structure of minerals Deep Aquifers Ancient water imprisoned in porous rocks Subduction Zones Water driven into the mantle by tectonic movements Mantle-derived Waters Water released through volcanic activity The Earth continues to surprise us with its hidden mysteries. The discovery of this ocean concealed within the Earth's mantle invites us to rethink our understanding of the planet and its internal processes. By unveiling new dimensions of the water cycle, this discovery opens exciting avenues for geological and climatic research. What other secrets does our planet hold, waiting to be uncovered by the next generation of curious scientists? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (27)
Trade Arabia
02-06-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Fugro secures gas field development deal in Southeast Asia
Fugro has signed a letter of award to perform a site characterisation programme for a deepwater gas field development in Southeast Asia. This significant award represents the largest geotechnical and geophysical survey project for Fugro in the Asia Pacific region to date, reflecting the positive momentum of deepwater developments in the region, the company said. This complex project builds on a combination of Fugro's onshore, nearshore and offshore geophysical and geotechnical survey services. Geo-data acquisition is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2025, with fieldwork estimated to last approximately one year. Detailed testing and consulting deliverables will continue into 2027. Supporting site planning and engineering design, the resulting ground model will be made available to project owners in near real-time, to facilitate faster decision-making by project engineers and improved collaboration with stakeholders including regulatory agencies.
Globe and Mail
27-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Class 1 Nickel Airborne Geophysical Survey Identifies Multiple New Targets at River Valley PGE-Cu-Ni Project, Ontario, Canada
TORONTO, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Class 1 Nickel and Technologies Limited (CSE: NICO | OTCQB: NICLF) ("Class 1' or the "Company") is pleased to announce results from its previously completed high-resolution electromagnetic-magnetic airborne geophysical survey (see Class 1 news release 23 April 2025) over its River Valley PGE-Cu-Ni Project (the 'RV Project'), located about 65 kilometres northeast of the City of Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. The RV Project covers approximately 2,916 ha, within which lies several kilometres of prospective geology and known PGE-bearing sulphide mineralization categorized as Contact-Style PGE-Cu-Ni and hosted by the River Valley Intrusion ('RVI'). The RV Project is immediately south of the advanced River Valley Palladium Project being developed by New Age Metals Inc. The Company engaged Geotech Ltd ('Geotech') to fly a helicopter-borne VTEM™ Plus time-domain electromagnetic and horizontal magnetic-gradiometric survey (the 'Survey') over the RV Project. The final Survey totalled about 254 line-km covering part of the southern contact and part of the eastern footwall of the RVI (Figure 1). Highlights from the Survey include: Geophysical mapping of known surface to near-surface sulphide-hosted Contact-Style PGE-Cu-Ni sulphide mineralization (Figure 2). New surface and near-surface exploration opportunities along and near the Crerar PGE Trend and also well outside known sulphide occurrences (Figure 2). Several new surface features requiring ground follow-up, based on known correlation between hydrothermal alteration and magnetite destruction or conversion (Figure 3). Magnetics suggest known PGE trends continue along strike and that other trends, parallel to the known PGE trends, could exist, requiring ground-truthing (Figure 3). CEO David Fitch commented, 'The results from this first-ever VTEM™ Plus survey covering this area of the River Valley Intrusion and our multi-kilometre Crerar PGE Trend are exciting, providing the Company's technical team with numerous surface and near-surface targets to follow-up on in the soon to be launched summer field program. As we confirm these new targets, we will commence detailed surface mapping and sampling, geophysical surveys, and trenching to expose and understand these PGE-Cu-Ni targets.' Geophysical surveys are not definitive and do not carry any guarantee of a mineral discovery and that in addition to conductive sulphide mineralization, bedrock conductors can also be caused by graphite, conductive structures, and barren sulphides. Results from neighboring properties do not necessarily reflect those that exist within Class 1 Nickel's RV Project. River Valley PGE-Cu-Ni Project The RV Project, covering known Contact-Style PGE-Cu-Ni sulphide mineralization (Crerar PGE Trend) in the southern part of the intrusion (Figure 1), provides PGE-focused exploration upside to the Company's portfolio as well as exposure to critical minerals, PGE, copper, and nickel. The RV Project is underlain by gabbroic to anorthositic rocks of the Paleoproterozoic RVI with a focus on targeting the productive Marginal and Inclusion-Bearing zones. Figure 1. Outline of the RV Project mining claims (red boundary) that define the River Valley PGE Project and the area surveyed (blue boundary) using Geotech's VTEM™ Plus airborne system (base geology from OGS, 2011: Ontario Geological Survey. 1:250 000 scale Bedrock Geology of Ontario; Miscellaneous Release–Data 126 – Rev.1). Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic (VTEM™) Plus Survey In March 2025, Geotech carried out a helicopter-borne geophysical survey over the River Valley PGE-Cu-Ni Project, near River Valley, Ontario. Principal geophysical sensors included a versatile time domain electromagnetic (VTEM™ Plus) system and a horizontal magnetic gradiometer with two caesium sensors. Ancillary equipment included a GPS navigation system and a radar altimeter. About 254 line-kilometres of geophysical data were acquired during the survey. The Survey was flown in a northwest-southeast direction with traverse flight line spacings of 100 metres and 1 km-spaced tie lines in a northeast direction. Information and data was reported in the WGS 84 Datum, UTM Zone 17 North. VTEM™ and Magnetic Survey Interpretation VTEM™ conductor anomalies were first identified based on conductance and subsequently reviewed for possible cultural interference in Google Earth images. These filtered anomalies were then prioritized (the 'Targets') and integrated with other data and information (Figure 2 and Figure 3), including total magnetic intensity (TMI), magnetic first vertical derivative (1VD), magnetic tilt angle derivative (TDR), property geology, known sulphide mineral occurrences and trends, and known historical drilling compiled from assessment reports and the Ontario Drill Hole Database (ODHD). Figure 2. Generalized geology from the southeastern River Valley Intrusion (OGS, 2011), showing the River Valley PGE Property boundary and the location of known sulphide mineralization, PGE-sulphide trends such as the Crerar PGE Trend, and historical drill hole collars. Electromagnetic picks, known mineralized trends, and potentially new areas of sulphide mineralization are shown in Figure 3. These and other very positive results from the Survey will form the subject of this summer's exploration program that will include geophysical ground-truthing, mapping and sampling, geophysical surveys, and trenching. Figure 3. Magnetic Tilt Angle Derivative overlain on the generalized geology from the southeastern River Valley Intrusion (OGS, 2011), showing the location of the River Valley PGE Property boundary, location of known sulphide mineralization, PGE-sulphide trends such as the Crerar PGE Trend, historical drill hole collars, and geophysical (EM and structural) picks. The Geophysical Structural Picks represent some of the new trends that will be ground-truthed during this summer's field program. Qualified Person Technical information and data in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Scott Jobin-Bevans ( PGO #0183), a geological consultant to the Company, and a Qualified Person under the definitions established by National Instrument 43‐101. About Class 1 Nickel Class 1 Nickel and Technologies Limited (CSE: NICO | OTCQB: NICLF) is a Mineral Resources Company primarily focused on the exploration and development of its 100% owned komatiite-hosted nickel sulphide projects: the Alexo-Dundonald Project ('A-D'), near Timmins, Ontario (4 nickel sulphide deposits) and the Somanike Project, near Val-d'Or, Quebec (includes the historical Marbridge Ni-Cu Mine). Both projects comprise extensive property packages covering past-producing nickel mines, offering excellent exploration upside and near-term production opportunities. The Company holds 100% interest in its River Valley PGE Project located about 65 km northeast of the City of Sudbury, the world's largest and longest operating nickel-copper-cobalt-PGE mining camp (see Class 1 news release 13 December 2023). Outside of the River Valley PGE Project, Class 1 is advancing its Alexo-Dundonald Project toward near-term production and at the same time continue brownfield and greenfield exploration on its large property package to aggregate additional nickel resources. The A-D Project sits on a 14+ km strike-length, folded komatiite unit containing four nickel-copper-cobalt-PGE mineral resources plus numerous underexplored sulphide occurrences. Decades of successful capital expenditure and investment into the Project has resulted in the discovery and delineation of the four mineral resources but the greater Property area remains underexplored. The A-D Project was previously mined (ca. 2005) via a direct shipping model, and the Company is investigating the possibility of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) study to determine the best path forward. For more information, please contact: Mr. David Fitch, President & CEO T: +61.400.631.608 Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as 'plan', 'expect', 'project', 'intend', 'believe', 'anticipate', 'estimate' and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions 'may' or 'will' occur. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at SEDAR+ ( Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
