Earth’s core may contain hydrogen equivalent to up to 45 oceans according to new research
Scientists estimate that the core of Terra houses the largest reservoir of hydrogen on the planet, with an amount equivalent to between 9 and 45 oceans. Essa conclusion comes from experiments that simulated extreme pressure and temperature conditions at the center of the planet. Hydrogen represents between 0.07% and 0.36% of the total mass of the nucleus. The discovery reinforces the idea that water was incorporated into the planet during its initial formation, around 4.5 billion years ago, instead of arriving mainly through comet or asteroid impacts.
Researchers from Escola of Ciências of Terra and of Espaço of Universidade of Eles analyzed the entry of hydrogen and silicon in laboratory simulations that reproduce the core environment. The results show that the element dissolves in the dominant iron and remains trapped in mineral structures. Essa internal reserve far exceeds the hydrogen present in the surface oceans.
- The calculated minimum value corresponds to nine oceans of hydrogen.
- The maximum reaches 45 oceans, depending on the exact proportions of elements incorporated.
- The proportion varies from 0.07% to 0.36% of the total nuclear mass.
- This positions the core as the dominant reservoir of hydrogen on the planet.
Origin of water linked to planetary formation
The significant presence of hydrogen in the core suggests that Terra retained much of this element from the initial stages of accretion. Comparações with primitive meteorites rich in hydrogen indicate that the planet would be “poor” in surface water if there were no deep reserves. Scientists note that hydrogen does not easily migrate to the surface due to extreme pressure barriers.
This early incorporation alters models of the terrestrial water cycle. Water would not depend so much on late external deliveries. The study highlights that hydrogen forms the basis of the H₂O molecule and influences internal processes over billions of years.
The core of Terra may contain up to 45x more hydrogen than the entire oceans. Isso indicates that the element arrived early, during the formation of the planet – Live Sciencepic.twitter.com/v2kLRQmMDu
— Espaço Científico (@espcientifico)February 11, 2026
Experiments simulate core conditions
Laboratories reproduced pressures and temperatures equivalent to those in the Earth’s core to observe the behavior of hydrogen. Nessas simulations, the element integrates with iron and other components, forming stable compounds. The researchers measured the amounts retained compared to those released in molten phases.
These alternative tests provide consistent data on the solubility of hydrogen in metals under extreme conditions. The approach allows estimating volumes without direct access to the core. Resultados indicate that the reservoir remains inaccessible, but measurable by indirect models.
Impact on understanding terrestrial evolution
Deep hydrogen affects the density and composition of the core by influencing the magnetic field generated by the movement of fluids in the outer core. Alterações in the amount of this element can modulate atmospheric protection against solar radiation on geological scales. The discovery connects internal chemistry with phenomena observed on the surface.
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Convective movements in the mantle receive indirect contributions from volatile elements such as hydrogen. Essa dynamics underpin plate tectonics and the release of waste heat. The reservoir reinforces the vision of a global hydrological system that includes deep layers of the planet.
Comparison with known reservoirs
Surface oceans contain hydrogen in the form of liquid water, but the core exceeds this volume by multiple times. The reserve does not appear as fluid water, but integrated into minerals under intense pressure. Cientistas compare the find with deposits in intermediate layers, such as the mantle, where minerals such as ringwoodite retain water.
This difference highlights the nucleus as a unique compartment for hydrogen storage. Estudos futures seek to refine the estimates with new simulations and analyzes of seismic waves.
Perspectives for future research
Advances in high-pressure techniques will continue to map chemical interactions in the Earth’s interior. Observações indirect data through seismology and computer modeling will help confirm exact volumes. The study opens avenues for investigating similar reservoirs on other rocky planets.
Researchers plan to integrate this data with models of planetary formation. Improved understanding of hydrogen distribution contributes to theories about habitability on exoplanets.
Nuclear composition details
The inner core is mostly solid iron, while the outer core is fluid. Hydrogen dissolves preferentially in metallic phases under these conditions. The estimated proportion varies depending on the amount of silicon incorporated during initial planetary differentiation.
Scientists point out that hydrogen slightly reduces the density of the nucleus compared to pure iron-nickel models. Essa discrepancy explains recent geophysical observations.
