Scientists simulated early planetary conditions by reacting rocky material with hydrogen gas under extreme heat. The experiments revealed that water formed in mere minutes as hydrogen reduced iron oxide in silicate minerals. This demonstrated that massive amounts of water are produced as an intrinsic consequence of rocky planet growth. In addition to creating vapor, the process transformed approximately 80% of the rock's iron oxide into metallic iron.
Key points
Water generation is likely a direct byproduct of rocky planet formation rather than relyi…: Water generation is likely a direct byproduct of rocky planet formation rather than relying only on comet impacts.
Chemical reactions between early hydrogen-rich atmospheres and rocky materials can genera…: Chemical reactions between early hydrogen-rich atmospheres and rocky materials can generate water in a matter of minutes.
Rocky exoplanets throughout the cosmos may possess the necessary conditions for habitabil…: Rocky exoplanets throughout the cosmos may possess the necessary conditions for habitability more frequently than expected.
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- Date:
- November 12, 2026
- Source:
- University of New Mexico
- Summary:
- Earth's water may have been born in the planet's fiery atmosphere rather than delivered by icy comets or asteroids. Scientists discovered that rocky pebbles reacting with hydrogen under extreme heat can produce water in minutes, potentially generating hundreds of oceans' worth during Earth's formation. The findings suggest that water may be a natural part of how rocky planets form, rather than something that must arrive from space.
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Earth may have created a substantial amount of its own water as the planet was forming, rather than relying entirely on comets, meteorites, or other objects to deliver it from space. New research published in Nature Geoscience suggests that chemical reactions between rocky pebbles and the hydrogen-rich atmosphere of the young Earth could have produced enormous quantities of water.
The discovery offers a new explanation for how our planet acquired one of the most important ingredients for life. It also raises the possibility that other rocky planets throughout the universe could generate water through similar…
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