Chinese researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery revealing how Earth's deep mantle stored vast water reserves during its formative years, fundamentally reshaping our understanding of planetary evolution. A team from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry published their findings in Science this Friday, demonstrating through advanced experimentation how our planet transitioned from a molten state to a life-sustaining environment over 4 billion years ago.
Lead researcher Dr. Li Wei explained: 'Our simulations show mineral structures in the early mantle could trap water molecules like a sponge, preventing complete vaporization during Earth's magma-ocean phase.' This mechanism answers long-standing questions about how sufficient water survived to form oceans and atmosphere.
The study holds particular significance for investors tracking space exploration technologies and academics studying exoplanet habitability. As Asian nations increase lunar and Martian exploration efforts this year, these findings could inform future resource identification strategies.
For the Asian diaspora and global science enthusiasts, this discovery underscores China's growing role in fundamental geological research. The team plans to collaborate with international partners in 2026 to analyze lunar rock samples, potentially revealing comparative planetary development patterns.
