Discoveries Beneath: Scientists Unearth 0.6-Mile-Deep Rocks That Function as Natural Power Plants

Scientists have recently drilled deep into the Atlantic Ocean, uncovering rock from the Earth’s mantle—a significant achievement. This rock is helping us understand what lies beneath our feet and how life may have originated billions of years ago.

The mantle is a huge, rocky layer beneath the Earth’s crust, but at the Atlantis Massif, tectonic forces have pushed it upward. Here, researchers retrieved a continuous column of dense green rock that holds key insights about our planet’s structure and evolution.

Led by Professor Johan Lissenberg from Cardiff University, the study analyzed how seawater has chemically altered this mantle rock. These alterations help scientists understand deep Earth processes and the planet’s formation.

One fascinating aspect of these rocks is their ability to produce hydrogen gas. As seawater seeps into cracks and interacts with a mineral called olivine, a process known as serpentinization occurs. This reaction changes the minerals and releases hydrogen, creating an environment where microbes can thrive without sunlight.

The steady production of hydrogen over geological timescales is drawing the attention of geologists. Unlike hydrogen produced in industrial settings, this natural hydrogen is generated underground by rocks. The Atlantis Massif core allows scientists to see where and how this vital gas forms.

Most of the recovered rock is peridotite, which is less rich in certain minerals compared to other mantle samples. This suggests the mantle in this region has lost much of its original melt, leaving it depleted. The study also shows the rock’s unique patterns, which indicate how molten material once flowed.

Nearby, the Lost City field contains hydrothermal vents—hot springs that release mineral-rich water. The fluids here also come from seawater under pressure, reacting similarly to the mantle core. These vents support vibrant microbial communities, hinting at how life might have sustained itself in deep ocean environments.

Recent findings suggest that hydrogen-rich environments, like those around Lost City, could be seen as potential cradles for early life. Research continues to support the hypothesis that serpentinization provided the necessary energy for the first metabolic reactions.

Going forward, similar mantle sections could help scientists find new natural hydrogen sources. Understanding these processes may also shed light on Earth’s history, climate, and chemistry.

The research was published in Science, highlighting the importance of these discoveries in connecting the dots between deep Earth chemistry and the origins of life.

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