Water From 390 Million Year Old Ocean Found Trapped In Tiny Rocks Found In New York

According to scientists, this discovery could tell them how to properly store explosive gases like hydrogen fuel underground.

SurajNovember 30, 2022

0 205

Water From 390 Million Year Old Ocean Found Trapped In Tiny Rocks Found In New York- Researchers from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have discovered minute saltwater bubbles that have been trapped in rocks for 390 million years. As reported in Science Alert, the iron pyrite rocks have been discovered in New York. The publication added that while not the oldest water sample ever discovered, these are the tiniest samples of prehistoric oceans that have ever been investigated. A study team looking into dangerous arsenic pouring out of rocks came across these rocks.

When the scientists analysed the seawater that had been trapped inside, they discovered that it came from a time when trilobites, enormous sea scorpions, ammonoids, as well as great armoured fish roamed the seas.

The researchers found small flaws in the form of framboid-shaped pyrite crystals while conducting their analysis.

The finding was made by geochemist Sandra Taylor of the US Department of Energy Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Washington State after looking at the samples under an electron microscope and noticing little bubbles or structures inside the framboid.

She continued by saying that this research might tell scientists how to properly store explosive gases like hydrogen fuel underground or in rocks.

“This research demonstrates the nanometer-sized presence of flaws in minerals. We can see that they can capture water, which suggests that they could be able to trap hydrogen as well. It is crucial to think about the potential impact of these faults given the effort being put into understanding subsurface hydrogen storage, and we believe we can do so by using this approach “Taylor was added.

The water that has been stored will also reveal information about the climate of prehistoric Earth and how it has altered over time.

On November 17, the findings were released in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters.

Conclusion

Small saltwater bubbles that have been trapped in rocks for 390 million years have been found by researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Rocks made of iron pyrite have been found in New York. Sandra Taylor, a geochemist with the US Department of Energy, made the discovery.