Earth Was Born with Water—No Delivery Needed

Degassing of early-formed planetesimals restricted water delivery to Earth

The timing of delivery and the types of body that contributed volatiles to the terrestrial planets remain highly debated1,2. For example, it is unknown if differentiated bodies, such as that responsible for the Moon-forming giant impact, could have delivered substantial volatiles3,4 or if smaller, undifferentiated objects were more probable vehicles of water delivery5–7. Here we show that the water contents of minerals in achondrite meteorites (…

Earth was born with water—no delivery needed

Alone among known planets, Earth has vast oceans on its surface and its landmasses are marked with lakes and extensive river drainage systems. Water is the biosphere's lifeblood, and without it, Earth would be just another dead world. If Earth life is a reliable indicator, then water is necessary for life, full stop.

Charting the Blue Realm

We live on a planet veiled in blue. And yet, though the ocean surrounds us, nourishes us, shapes our weather and our myths, our knowledge of it is limited. This paradox—of presence without understanding—is not new to the human condition. It is the mark of every frontier. But there comes a moment when a civilization, if it is to grow wise, must turn its instruments not only outward to the stars but inward, toward the depths of our planet. Nautil…

Earth Was Born With Water; No Delivery Needed

The source of Earth's water is one of the most compelling questions facing scientists. Earth's habitability depends on multiple factors, but water is the basis for life, and it had to come from somewhere. Did comets and meteorites deliver it after Earth formed? Or did water become part of our planet as it formed?