91download.com supports a wide range of platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Dailymotion, Reddit, Bilibili, Douyin, Xiaohongshu and Zhihu, etc. Click the download button below to parse and download the current video
Welcome to the cosmic conundrum that has intrigued scientists for generations: the origin of Earth's water. How did our planet, unlike any other in our solar system, end up with 70% of its surface covered in liquid water? Let's dive into this fascinating mystery and uncover the secrets of our blue marble's watery past.
Where did Earth's water come from? This simple yet profound question sets the stage for our journey. Earth's water is essential for life as we know it, yet our planet initially had no water at all. The early inner solar system was far too hot, and any frozen water or vapor would have been swept away by the solar wind. So, how did our planet's vast oceans, rivers, ice caps, and clouds come into existence?
Natural processes like burning and breathing do create water through chemical reactions. However, these amounts are minuscule compared to the vast quantities of water on Earth. Processes like photosynthesis also use water, but these amounts are too tiny to account for our planet's water. Clearly, Earth's water did not originate here.
The logical conclusion is that Earth's water must have arrived from space. Meteoroids, comets, and other celestial objects that originated far enough from the sun for frozen water to survive are prime candidates. Comets, often referred to as "dirty ice balls," seemed like a plausible source. However, they contain higher levels of heavy hydrogen (hydrogen with a neutron and a proton in its nucleus) than Earth's water. This discrepancy suggests that comets probably weren't the source.
Enter carbonaceous chondrites, a type of stony meteorite. These meteoroids form far enough from the sun to hold water, and the water they contain has similar levels of heavy hydrogen to Earth's water. It seems that the water that transformed our planet into a blue marble came quite literally "out of the blue."
If you're captivated by this tale of cosmic discovery, you'll be thrilled to know that a book delving into these mysteries and more is available for pre-order. "How Did Wales Get So Big?" by Minute Earth is a collection of questions and answers about our natural world, perfect for both kids and adults. The book is filled with stunning illustrations and engaging narratives that make science come alive.
October 12th is the release date for this extraordinary book, and it's available for pre-order now. Whether you're looking for a gift or simply want to explore the wonders of the world around you, this book is a must-have. So, dive into the story of Earth's water, and let your curiosity guide you through the cosmos.
As we wrap up our story time with MinutePhysics, let's return to the question that started it all: How did Earth get so much water? The answer lies in the stars, and now, with this book, you can hold that answer in your hands. Thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery, and remember to embrace the beauty of our blue marble, a planet teeming with life thanks to the mysterious journey of its water.
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook