Earth's Water Origin: Oxford Researchers Find Hydrogen Source in Ancient Meteorite

A team from the University of Oxford has discovered evidence suggesting Earth's water originated from within the planet itself. The research, focusing on a rare enstatite chondrite meteorite, reveals a significant hydrogen source analogous to early Earth's composition (4.55 billion years ago). This finding challenges the theory that water was delivered by asteroids. The analysis of meteorite LAR 12252, collected in Antarctica, involved X-Ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) spectroscopy at Diamond Light Source. Researchers initially sought hydrogen in organic materials within chondrules (spherical objects in the meteorite). Unexpectedly, high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide were found in the matrix surrounding the chondrules, exceeding previous findings by five times. The absence of hydrogen in areas with terrestrial contamination further supports the theory that the hydrogen is native to the meteorite. Tom Barrett, from the University of Oxford's Department of Earth Sciences, emphasizes the significance of hydrogen sulfide presence, indicating water formation as a natural process. Associate Professor James Bryson adds that the building blocks of Earth were richer in hydrogen than previously believed, suggesting water's origin is intrinsic to Earth's formation.