'Hidden Hydrogen found': Earth may have made its own oceans
Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Water Within
New Oxford research shows Earth’s water may have been there from the very beginning—embedded deep within the planet’s original building blocks.
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Meteorite Clue
Scientists studied LAR 12252, a rare meteorite from Antarctica believed to mirror the material that formed early Earth 4.55 billion years ago.
Native Hydrogen
Using powerful X-ray techniques, the team found hydrogen sulfide hidden in the meteorite’s matrix—strong evidence the hydrogen wasn’t from Earth.
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Hydrogen Surprise
The richest hydrogen was found outside expected zones, in sub-micrometer material between chondrules, with levels five times higher than prior studies.
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Asteroid Theory Hit
The dominant theory that water came via asteroid bombardment is now under fire. This study suggests Earth was “pre-loaded” with water ingredients.
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Cosmic Chemistry
Hydrogen is a water essential. This study shows Earth’s starting material had enough of it to support the oceans—no outside help required.
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Contamination Ruled Out
Areas affected by rust and cracking—signs of Earth-based contamination—had little or no hydrogen, confirming the purity of the original samples.
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Sulfur Bond
Hydrogen was bound to sulfur in the form of hydrogen sulfide, validating predictions that early Earth material could chemically store water components.
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Origin Rethink
Oxford’s findings hint that Earth’s water isn’t a cosmic accident—but a natural result of the very rocks that formed the planet itself.
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