Rare rainfall hits Sahara Desert, the storm was triggered after a low pressure system pushed across the northwestern Sahara region. The locals think that its a gift from heaven. Watch to know more.

Sahara Desert: Basin Was Barren For Nearly 20 Years

Rare rainfall hits Sahara Desert, the storm was triggered after a low pressure system pushed across the northwestern Sahara region. Watch to know more.

Sahara Desert Witness First Floods In 50 Years

Rare rainfall has hit some of the most arid places on Earth. Southeastern Morocco Sahara Desert known for its frequent drought is experiencing floods. Watch in for more details!

Water Gushes Through Sand Of Sahara

The Curiosity rover of NASA is exploring the Gale crater on Mars currently and is providing more details about how the Red Planet's climate turned from potentially suitable for life to inhospitable to terrestrial life.&nbsp;

It has been known that Mars was holding widespread liquid water in ancient times, as per the evidence.&nbsp;

Even though the surface of Mars is hostile and frigid to life, NASA's robotic explorers&nbsp;have been finding clues about whether the planet supported life in the distant past.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-spooky-smiley-face-appears-on-mars-scientists-say-its-hiding-life-forms-757191">A 'spooky smiley face' appears on Mars. Scientists say it's hiding life forms...</a>

The instruments on board Curiosity have been used by the researchers for measuring the isotopic composition of carbon-rich minerals (carbonates) which were discovered in the Gale crater and found new insights into how the ancient climate of the Red Planet transformed.

<h2>Here's what happened to ancient Mars</h2>

"The isotope values of these carbonates point toward extreme amounts of evaporation, suggesting that these carbonates likely formed in a climate that could only support transient liquid&nbsp;water," said David Burtt, who is lead author of a paper and works at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.&nbsp;

The research was&nbsp;published&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"Our samples are not consistent with an ancient environment with life (biosphere) on the surface of Mars, although this does not rule out the possibility of an underground biosphere or a surface biosphere that began and ended before these carbonates formed," Burtt said.&nbsp;

Isotopes are different versions of an element which have different masses. With the evaporation of water, light versions of carbon and oxygen escaped into the atmosphere while the heavy versions remained behind, accumulated in high abundances and were eventually incorporated into the carbonate rocks.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/perseverance-spots-an-odd-rock-on-mars-with-zebra-stripes-where-did-it-come-from-761350">Perseverance spots an odd rock on Mars with zebra stripes. Where did it come from?</a>

In the paper, the researchers proposed two ways in which carbonates present at Gale were formed.

In the first case, carbonates were created in a series of wet-dry cycles that took place in the Gale Crater. In the second way, carbonates were formed in very salty water that was under cold, ice-forming (cryogenic) conditions in the Gale Crater.

"These formation mechanisms represent two different climate regimes that may present different habitability scenarios," said Jennifer Stern, who is co-author of the paper and is from NASA Goddard.

"Wet-dry cycling would indicate alternation between more-habitable and less-habitable environments, while&nbsp;cryogenic temperatures&nbsp;in the mid-latitudes of Mars would indicate a less-habitable environment where most water is locked up in ice and not available for chemistry or biology, and what is there is extremely salty and unpleasant for life," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Curiosity rover of NASA is exploring the Gale crater on Mars currently and is providing more details about how the Red Planet's climate turned from potentially suitable for life to inhospitable to terrestrial life.

The Curiosity rover of NASA is exploring the Gale crater on Mars currently and is providing more details about how the Red Planet's climate turned from potentially suitable for life to inhospitable to terrestrial life. It has been known that Mars was holding widespread liquid water in ancient times, as per the evidence. Even though the surface of Mars is hostile and frigid to life, NASA's robotic explorers have been finding clues about whether the planet supported life in the distant past. Also Read: A 'spooky smiley face' appears on Mars. Scientists say it's hiding life forms... The instruments on board Curiosity have been used by the researchers for measuring the isotopic composition of carbon-rich minerals (carbonates) which were discovered in the Gale crater and found new insights into how the ancient climate of the Red Planet transformed. Here's what happened to ancient Mars "The isotope values of these carbonates point toward extreme amounts of evaporation, suggesting that these carbonates likely formed in a climate that could only support transient liquid water," said David Burtt, who is lead author of a paper and works at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. "Our samples are not consistent with an ancient environment with life (biosphere) on the surface of Mars, although this does not rule out the possibility of an underground biosphere or a surface biosphere that began and ended before these carbonates formed," Burtt said. Isotopes are different versions of an element which have different masses. With the evaporation of water, light versions of carbon and oxygen escaped into the atmosphere while the heavy versions remained behind, accumulated in high abundances and were eventually incorporated into the carbonate rocks. Also Read: Perseverance spots an odd rock on Mars with zebra stripes. Where did it come from? In the paper, the researchers proposed two ways in which carbonates present at Gale were formed. In the first case, carbonates were created in a series of wet-dry cycles that took place in the Gale Crater. In the second way, carbonates were formed in very salty water that was under cold, ice-forming (cryogenic) conditions in the Gale Crater. "These formation mechanisms represent two different climate regimes that may present different habitability scenarios," said Jennifer Stern, who is co-author of the paper and is from NASA Goddard. "Wet-dry cycling would indicate alternation between more-habitable and less-habitable environments, while cryogenic temperatures in the mid-latitudes of Mars would indicate a less-habitable environment where most water is locked up in ice and not available for chemistry or biology, and what is there is extremely salty and unpleasant for life," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Mars once had water to support life. Curiosity rover now finds what made it uninhabitable

The hunt for life beyond Earth went a step further when scientists discovered water vapour&nbsp;in abundance in the universe.

In the latest research, the scientists focused on a gas and dust disk which was surrounding a young star. It was observed using the Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array (ALMA).

The star, which has been named HL Tauri, was discovered 450 light-years away and a huge amount of vapour was seen surrounding it.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mars-once-had-water-but-now-its-barren-heres-what-led-to-its-mysterious-disappearance-756902">Mars once had water but now it's barren. Here's what led to its mysterious disappearance</a>

The water vapour&nbsp;was&nbsp;equivalent to three times the volume of all the oceans on Earth and could be the birthplace of the planet.

<h2>Can water in space create habitable planets?</h2>

Speaking about the discovery in a press release, Stefano Facchini, an astrophysicist at the University of Milan and study leader,&nbsp;said, “I had never imagined that we could capture an image of oceans of water vapour in the same region where a planet is likely forming."

As per the research published in Nature Astronomy, the water vapour's volume can increase the chances of the planet being habitable after its formation.

As per the scientists, the amount of water vapour present around HL Tauri appeared to have an influence over the birth of new planets. It is also likely that the conditions amid the vapour&nbsp;can be very similar to the conditions that were prevalent when the formation of Earth took place 4.5 billion years ago.

Watch:&nbsp;The Curious Case Of The Prematurely Aging Space Heart

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Speaking about his excitement at noticing the oceans of water vapour, Facchini said, “Our recent images reveal a substantial quantity of water vapour at a range of distances from the star that includes a gap where a planet could potentially be forming at the present time."

In recent times, water has been fundamental for various scientific developments. Recently, it was also found by scientists that water has been leaking slowly from the surface to the core of the Earth.

(With inputs from agencies)

The hunt for life beyond Earth went a step further when scientists discovered water vapour in abundance in the universe. In the latest research, the scientists focused on a gas and dust disk which was surrounding a young star.

The hunt for life beyond Earth went a step further when scientists discovered water vapour in abundance in the universe. In the latest research, the scientists focused on a gas and dust disk which was surrounding a young star. It was observed using the Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array (ALMA). The star, which has been named HL Tauri, was discovered 450 light-years away and a huge amount of vapour was seen surrounding it. Also Read: Mars once had water but now it's barren. Here's what led to its mysterious disappearance The water vapour was equivalent to three times the volume of all the oceans on Earth and could be the birthplace of the planet. Can water in space create habitable planets? Speaking about the discovery in a press release, Stefano Facchini, an astrophysicist at the University of Milan and study leader, said, “I had never imagined that we could capture an image of oceans of water vapour in the same region where a planet is likely forming." As per the research published in Nature Astronomy, the water vapour's volume can increase the chances of the planet being habitable after its formation. As per the scientists, the amount of water vapour present around HL Tauri appeared to have an influence over the birth of new planets. It is also likely that the conditions amid the vapour can be very similar to the conditions that were prevalent when the formation of Earth took place 4.5 billion years ago. Watch: The Curious Case Of The Prematurely Aging Space Heart Speaking about his excitement at noticing the oceans of water vapour, Facchini said, “Our recent images reveal a substantial quantity of water vapour at a range of distances from the star that includes a gap where a planet could potentially be forming at the present time." In recent times, water has been fundamental for various scientific developments. Recently, it was also found by scientists that water has been leaking slowly from the surface to the core of the Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

Huge water presence, three times greater than oceans of Earth, found in space

Humans have waged wars for power, resources and riches. However, the next big flashpoint in geopolitical tensions could be a commodity that is abundantly available at the moment. This report delves into the details.

Water, the next big flashpoint in Geopolitics?

India has once again called on Pakistan to amend or "review and modify" the Indus Water Treaty, with a diplomatic note sent to Islamabad on August 30, 2024. New Delhi has made a firm case, citing Article XII(3) of the treaty, which allows for amendments to emphasise the need for changes.

Under the Article, the treaty can be modified from time to time for which both governments need to sit for negotiations.

"Provisions of this treaty may from time to time be modified by a duly ratified treaty concluded for that purpose between the two Governments," it says.&nbsp; 
 
India had last year also reached out to Pakistan seeking to "review and modify" the treaty, but no concrete response came from Islamabad.&nbsp;

Nearly a month has passed and Pakistan&nbsp;is yet to respond to India's diplomatic note sent in August. In the note, India highlighted the significant global changes since 1960 and stressed the importance of initiating talks to amend the treaty.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indus-water-treaty-first-pakistan-delegation-since-article-370-abrogation-arrives-in-jammu-734714">Watch |&nbsp;Indus Water Treaty: First Pakistan delegation since Article 370 abrogation arrives in Jammu</a>

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The Indus Water Treaty was originally signed in 1960 in Karachi by then-Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and then-Pakistani President Ayub Khan. One of the key reasons for seeking an amendment to the treaty is India's increasing reliance on hydropower and the need to accelerate clean energy development to meet its emission targets.

The push for amendments also arises amid controversy surrounding the Kishanganga and Ratle hydro projects. In response, the World Bank has simultaneously activated both the neutral expert mechanism and the Court of Arbitration to address the same issues. Consequently, India has called for a reconsideration of the treaty's dispute resolution mechanism.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-ready-reckoner-on-india-pakistan-tensions-over-indus-waters-treaty-562799">Also read |&nbsp;Explained: India-Pakistan tensions over Indus Waters Treaty | A ready reckoner</a>

Under the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, the water of three eastern rivers – Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi are allocated to India for unrestricted use while the waters of three western rivers – Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab go to Pakistan. Additionally, New Delhi has the right to generate hydroelectricity through the run of the river projects on the three western rivers, subject to specific criteria for design.&nbsp;

India has once again called on Pakistan to amend or "review and modify" the Indus Water Treaty, with a diplomatic note sent to Islamabad on August 30, 2024. New Delhi has made a firm case, citing Article XII(3) of the treaty, which allows for amendments to emphasise the need for changes.

India has once again called on Pakistan to amend or "review and modify" the Indus Water Treaty, with a diplomatic note sent to Islamabad on August 30, 2024. New Delhi has made a firm case, citing Article XII(3) of the treaty, which allows for amendments to emphasise the need for changes. Under the Article, the treaty can be modified from time to time for which both governments need to sit for negotiations. "Provisions of this treaty may from time to time be modified by a duly ratified treaty concluded for that purpose between the two Governments," it says. India had last year also reached out to Pakistan seeking to "review and modify" the treaty, but no concrete response came from Islamabad. Nearly a month has passed and Pakistan is yet to respond to India's diplomatic note sent in August. In the note, India highlighted the significant global changes since 1960 and stressed the importance of initiating talks to amend the treaty. Watch | Indus Water Treaty: First Pakistan delegation since Article 370 abrogation arrives in Jammu × The Indus Water Treaty was originally signed in 1960 in Karachi by then-Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and then-Pakistani President Ayub Khan. One of the key reasons for seeking an amendment to the treaty is India's increasing reliance on hydropower and the need to accelerate clean energy development to meet its emission targets. The push for amendments also arises amid controversy surrounding the Kishanganga and Ratle hydro projects. In response, the World Bank has simultaneously activated both the neutral expert mechanism and the Court of Arbitration to address the same issues. Consequently, India has called for a reconsideration of the treaty's dispute resolution mechanism. Also read | Explained: India-Pakistan tensions over Indus Waters Treaty | A ready reckoner Under the Indus Water Treaty of 1960, the water of three eastern rivers – Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi are allocated to India for unrestricted use while the waters of three western rivers – Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab go to Pakistan. Additionally, New Delhi has the right to generate hydroelectricity through the run of the river projects on the three western rivers, subject to specific criteria for design.

India pushes for revisions to Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan

A Georgian motorsport competitor rode the surface of the water on his modified bike. The bike was fitted with skis to glide on water. Take a look.

Georgian daredevil biker rides on surface of water

Nestle's water subsidiary has agreed to pay a $2.2 million fine to resolve criminal complaints in France related to its natural mineral water production.

Nestle pays $2.2 mn in French water scandal

A new report exposes hypocrisy on part of wealthy, democratic countries in the global north – using harsh means to clamp down on climate protests while criticising similar harsh tactics being used by authorities in the global south. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

New report exposes hypocrisy of rich countries

In a joint study between NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) and the&nbsp;Hubble Space Telescope, it was observed that Mars may have lost its water because of the seasonal changes on the planet.

More than three billion years ago, the Red Planet was warm and wet and had large water bodies on its surface along with a thicker atmosphere. However, today Mars is barren, dry and cold. So, where exactly did the water disappear?

<h2>Mysterious disappearance of Martian water</h2>

"There's only two places water can go," said John Clarke of the University of Boston, in a&nbsp;statement. "It can freeze into the ground, or the water molecules can break into atoms, and the atoms can escape from the top of the atmosphere into space," he added.

There is still plenty of water on Mars. It has been observed that vast reservoirs of water are locked deep underground at depths between 11.5 and 20 kilometres (7.1 and 12.4 miles).

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/elon-musk-says-spacex-to-launch-first-uncrewed-starships-to-mars-in-two-years-756866">Elon Musk says SpaceX to launch first uncrewed Starships to Mars in two years</a>

The surface of Mars has sufficient water inside it which is the global equivalent layer (GEL) - refers to how deep a planet-wide ocean it can create.

Meanwhile, water-ice in small amounts is also locked inside the shallow permafrost and in the polar ice caps of Mars.

According to John Clarke and his team in the&nbsp;Center for Space Physics&nbsp;at Boston University, it is important to understand the fate of water on Mars for which it is important to track the escapee atoms.

Watch:&nbsp;China advances deadline for launch of Mars mission by two years

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Scientists, by measuring the number of hydrogen atoms going into space and the current escape rate, can trace water's history on the planet.

In the atmosphere of Mars, the sunlight is suspected to have dismantled the water molecules and divided them into two types of atoms - which are hydrogen and deuterium or “heavy hydrogen.”

Mars does not have a magnetic field, unlike Earth, because of which the solar wind directly interacts with the atmosphere.

Because of these interactions, light gases like hydrogen, get stripped from the atmosphere.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a joint study between NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) and the Hubble Space Telescope, it was observed that Mars may have lost its water because of the seasonal changes on the planet.

In a joint study between NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) and the Hubble Space Telescope, it was observed that Mars may have lost its water because of the seasonal changes on the planet. More than three billion years ago, the Red Planet was warm and wet and had large water bodies on its surface along with a thicker atmosphere. However, today Mars is barren, dry and cold. So, where exactly did the water disappear? Mysterious disappearance of Martian water "There's only two places water can go," said John Clarke of the University of Boston, in a statement. "It can freeze into the ground, or the water molecules can break into atoms, and the atoms can escape from the top of the atmosphere into space," he added. There is still plenty of water on Mars. It has been observed that vast reservoirs of water are locked deep underground at depths between 11.5 and 20 kilometres (7.1 and 12.4 miles). Also Read: Elon Musk says SpaceX to launch first uncrewed Starships to Mars in two years The surface of Mars has sufficient water inside it which is the global equivalent layer (GEL) - refers to how deep a planet-wide ocean it can create. Meanwhile, water-ice in small amounts is also locked inside the shallow permafrost and in the polar ice caps of Mars. According to John Clarke and his team in the Center for Space Physics at Boston University, it is important to understand the fate of water on Mars for which it is important to track the escapee atoms. Watch: China advances deadline for launch of Mars mission by two years Scientists, by measuring the number of hydrogen atoms going into space and the current escape rate, can trace water's history on the planet. In the atmosphere of Mars, the sunlight is suspected to have dismantled the water molecules and divided them into two types of atoms - which are hydrogen and deuterium or “heavy hydrogen.” Mars does not have a magnetic field, unlike Earth, because of which the solar wind directly interacts with the atmosphere. Because of these interactions, light gases like hydrogen, get stripped from the atmosphere. (With inputs from agencies)

Mars once had water but now it's barren. Here's what led to its mysterious disappearance

Britain will set out new legislation to stop water companies leaking sewage into rivers and seas and it will do so by bringing in tougher penalties including imprisonment for company bosses, and giving the regulator new powers.

UK rivers riddled with sewage pollution

The samples collected from the 4.5-billion-year-old Asteroid Bennu and brought to Earth are being studied by researchers from&nbsp;Curtin University, who are part of an international team, to understand the origins of our solar system.&nbsp;

The scientists carrying out the research have said that the asteroid most likely existed before the birth of the Solar System and may have brought water and life to Earth.&nbsp;

NASA’s billion-dollar&nbsp;OSIRIS-REx&nbsp;mission completed its seven-year journey in September last year and brought back samples from the asteroid Bennu. Its specimens were sent to different research laboratories across the world, which included Curtin.

In a new study, which has been published in&nbsp;Meteoritics and Planetary Science, some amazing findings from the samples have been revealed.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-20-times-bigger-than-dinosaur-killer-deviated-solar-systems-largest-moon-755527">Asteroid 20 times bigger than dinosaur killer altered Ganymede's position</a>

The scientists found dark particles, which ranged from dust-sized to approximately 3.5 cm long, along with some lighter particles and stones, with&nbsp;brighter material that formed veins and crusts in the samples of the asteroid.

“Analyses show Bennu is among the most chemically primitive materials known, similar in composition to the visible surface of the sun,” said OSIRIS-REx Sample Analysis Team member Associate Professor Nick Timms.

“This indicates Bennu has undergone different processes to the planets, and these processes changed the abundance of particular elements relative to the sun," he added.

In the analysis of the samples, the presence of various components were also confirmed, like hydrated phyllosilicates, which is a type of mineral that forms when water is present, and carbon-rich material.

“This means asteroids such as this may have played a key role in delivering water and the building blocks of life to Earth,” said Associate Professor Timms.

<h2>Asteroid Bennu's samples have presolar grains which existed before Solar System</h2>

The scientists also found some unexpected components in the samples. “We were surprised to find magnesium-sodium phosphates, which further suggests Bennu experienced chemical environments which possibly involved water," said Associate Professor Timms.

Watch:&nbsp;China plans nukes against asteroids

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“We also found other trace minerals, which offer clues as to the processes which have happened on Bennu over billions of years, such as temperature and pressure conditions. These trace minerals help paint a picture of Bennu’s evolution and also offer insights into the early solar system and how the different planetary bodies in the solar system were created," he added.

“The sample has presolar grains created before our solar system existed, which can provide a detailed biography of the lives of ancient stars,” the professor further said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The samples collected from the 4.5-billion-year-old Asteroid Bennu and brought to Earth are being studied by researchers from Curtin University, who are part of an international team, to understand the origins of our solar system.

The samples collected from the 4.5-billion-year-old Asteroid Bennu and brought to Earth are being studied by researchers from Curtin University, who are part of an international team, to understand the origins of our solar system. The scientists carrying out the research have said that the asteroid most likely existed before the birth of the Solar System and may have brought water and life to Earth. NASA’s billion-dollar OSIRIS-REx mission completed its seven-year journey in September last year and brought back samples from the asteroid Bennu. Its specimens were sent to different research laboratories across the world, which included Curtin. In a new study, which has been published in Meteoritics and Planetary Science, some amazing findings from the samples have been revealed. Also Read: Asteroid 20 times bigger than dinosaur killer altered Ganymede's position The scientists found dark particles, which ranged from dust-sized to approximately 3.5 cm long, along with some lighter particles and stones, with brighter material that formed veins and crusts in the samples of the asteroid. “Analyses show Bennu is among the most chemically primitive materials known, similar in composition to the visible surface of the sun,” said OSIRIS-REx Sample Analysis Team member Associate Professor Nick Timms. “This indicates Bennu has undergone different processes to the planets, and these processes changed the abundance of particular elements relative to the sun," he added. In the analysis of the samples, the presence of various components were also confirmed, like hydrated phyllosilicates, which is a type of mineral that forms when water is present, and carbon-rich material. “This means asteroids such as this may have played a key role in delivering water and the building blocks of life to Earth,” said Associate Professor Timms. Asteroid Bennu's samples have presolar grains which existed before Solar System The scientists also found some unexpected components in the samples. “We were surprised to find magnesium-sodium phosphates, which further suggests Bennu experienced chemical environments which possibly involved water," said Associate Professor Timms. Watch: China plans nukes against asteroids “We also found other trace minerals, which offer clues as to the processes which have happened on Bennu over billions of years, such as temperature and pressure conditions. These trace minerals help paint a picture of Bennu’s evolution and also offer insights into the early solar system and how the different planetary bodies in the solar system were created," he added. “The sample has presolar grains created before our solar system existed, which can provide a detailed biography of the lives of ancient stars,” the professor further said. (With inputs from agencies)

Asteroid Bennu brought life and water to Earth, it existed before Solar System's origin: Study

More than half the world does not trust its drinking water, and expects to be harmed by it in the next two years, a new global survey has found.

The study was done using nationally representative data from 148,585 adults in 141 countries from the 2019 Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll, according to a release.&nbsp;

 
Watch: Water security threat amidst low snow on Himalayas, says report

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The fear over drinking water was highest in Zambia, and lowest in Singapore while the overall mean was 52.3%, according to the study published in the journal Nature Communications on Monday (Aug 26).

In the US, 39%&nbsp;anticipated serious harm from drinking water in the short term, said the study by Northwestern University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-threatened-maldives-receives-tibetan-glacier-water-from-china-705369">Also read: Climate change-threatened Maldives receives Tibetan glacier water from China</a> 
 
Those who are worried about their drinking water are mainly women, city dwellers, individuals with more education, and those struggling with their current income were more likely to anticipate being harmed by their drinking water, said the release on the study.

Interestingly, it found a correlation between higher corruption perception index scores and expected harm from drinking water

And even in countries like the US, where water access is consistent, doubts about safety were widespread, found the study.&nbsp;

<h2>What happens when people don't trust their drinking water?</h2>

Sera Young, professor of anthropology and global health at Northwestern and senior author of the new study said,&nbsp;“When we mistrust our tap water, we buy packaged water, which is wildly expensive and hard on the environment; drink soda or other sugar-sweetened beverages, which is hard on the teeth and the waistline; and consume highly processed prepared foods or go to restaurants to avoid cooking at home, which is less healthy and more expensive."

"Individuals exposed to unsafe water also experience greater psychological stress and are at greater risk of depression.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-groundwater-to-turn-undrinkable-for-half-a-billion-people-by-2100-study-740031">Also read:&nbsp;Earth's groundwater to turn 'undrinkable' for half a billion people by 2100: Study</a> 
 
It is difficult for consumers to judge the hazards and safety of their water supply because many contaminants are invisible, odourless and tasteless, noted the authors of the study.

Without adequate information, many are left to evaluate the safety of their water based on prior experiences, media reports, and personal values and beliefs, they said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

More than half the world does not trust its drinking water, and expects to be harmed by it in the next two years, a new global survey has found. The study was done using nationally representative data from 148,585 adults in 141 countries from the 2019 Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll, according to a release.

More than half the world does not trust its drinking water, and expects to be harmed by it in the next two years, a new global survey has found. The study was done using nationally representative data from 148,585 adults in 141 countries from the 2019 Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll, according to a release. Watch: Water security threat amidst low snow on Himalayas, says report × The fear over drinking water was highest in Zambia, and lowest in Singapore while the overall mean was 52.3%, according to the study published in the journal Nature Communications on Monday (Aug 26). In the US, 39% anticipated serious harm from drinking water in the short term, said the study by Northwestern University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Also read: Climate change-threatened Maldives receives Tibetan glacier water from China Those who are worried about their drinking water are mainly women, city dwellers, individuals with more education, and those struggling with their current income were more likely to anticipate being harmed by their drinking water, said the release on the study. Interestingly, it found a correlation between higher corruption perception index scores and expected harm from drinking water And even in countries like the US, where water access is consistent, doubts about safety were widespread, found the study. What happens when people don't trust their drinking water? Sera Young, professor of anthropology and global health at Northwestern and senior author of the new study said, “When we mistrust our tap water, we buy packaged water, which is wildly expensive and hard on the environment; drink soda or other sugar-sweetened beverages, which is hard on the teeth and the waistline; and consume highly processed prepared foods or go to restaurants to avoid cooking at home, which is less healthy and more expensive." "Individuals exposed to unsafe water also experience greater psychological stress and are at greater risk of depression.” Also read: Earth's groundwater to turn 'undrinkable' for half a billion people by 2100: Study It is difficult for consumers to judge the hazards and safety of their water supply because many contaminants are invisible, odourless and tasteless, noted the authors of the study. Without adequate information, many are left to evaluate the safety of their water based on prior experiences, media reports, and personal values and beliefs, they said. (With inputs from agencies)

More than half of the world does not trust its drinking water and expects to be harmed by it: Study

Scientists have now figured out that 95 per cent of water present on any exoplanet may be trapped deep inside the planet's iron core, making it more potentially habitable.

"It is only in recent years that we have begun to realize that planets are more complex than we had thought. Planets&nbsp;are much more water-abundant than previously assumed," said Caroline Dorn, professor of&nbsp;exoplanets&nbsp;at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, in a&nbsp;statement.

Initially, they are made of hot worlds of oceans of molten magma which have not yet cooled. After cooling, they form a solid mantle of silicate bedrock.&nbsp;

In such magma oceans, water dissolves easily, unlike carbon dioxide, which outgasses and rises in the atmosphere.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-telescope-captures-one-of-the-coldest-exoplanets-six-times-the-size-of-jupiter-12-light-years-away-744049">James Webb telescope captures one of the coldest exoplanets, 6 times the size of Jupiter, 12 light years away</a>

Dorn, along with Haiyang Luo and Jie Deng from Princeton University, investigated how the water gets distributed between the silicates and the&nbsp;iron.&nbsp;

Explaining the results of the study, Dorn said, "The iron core takes time to develop. A large share of the iron is initially contained in the hot magma soup in the form of droplets."&nbsp;

<h2>Here's how water enters the iron core of rocky planets</h2>

The water then combines with the iron droplets and carries them to the core. "The iron droplets behave like a lift that is conveyed downward by the water," Dorn said.

"This is one of the key results of our study. The larger the planet and the greater its mass, the more the water tends to go with the iron droplets and become integrated into the core. Under certain circumstances, iron can absorb up to 70 times more water than silicates. However, owing to the enormous pressure at the core, the water no longer takes the form of H2O molecules but is present in hydrogen and oxygen," Dorn said.

Watch:&nbsp;Mercury's Diamonds: What lies beneath the planet's crust?&nbsp;

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The scientists used a computer model to understand how water reacts with molten magma on a young planet and found that much of the water, even on super-earth, can end up in its interior.&nbsp;

"The larger the planet and the greater its mass, the more the water tends to go with the iron droplets and become integrated into the core," Dorn said.&nbsp;

"Under certain circumstances, iron can absorb up to 70 times more water than silicates. However, owing to the enormous pressure at the core, the water no longer takes the form of H20 molecules but is present in hydrogen and oxygen. So if we find water in a planet's atmosphere, there is probably a great deal more in its interior," she explained.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Scientists have now figured out that 95 per cent of water present on any exoplanet may be trapped deep inside the planet's iron core, making it more potentially habitable.

Scientists have now figured out that 95 per cent of water present on any exoplanet may be trapped deep inside the planet's iron core, making it more potentially habitable. "It is only in recent years that we have begun to realize that planets are more complex than we had thought. Planets are much more water-abundant than previously assumed," said Caroline Dorn, professor of exoplanets at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, in a statement. Initially, they are made of hot worlds of oceans of molten magma which have not yet cooled. After cooling, they form a solid mantle of silicate bedrock. In such magma oceans, water dissolves easily, unlike carbon dioxide, which outgasses and rises in the atmosphere. Also Read: James Webb telescope captures one of the coldest exoplanets, 6 times the size of Jupiter, 12 light years away Dorn, along with Haiyang Luo and Jie Deng from Princeton University, investigated how the water gets distributed between the silicates and the iron. Explaining the results of the study, Dorn said, "The iron core takes time to develop. A large share of the iron is initially contained in the hot magma soup in the form of droplets." Here's how water enters the iron core of rocky planets The water then combines with the iron droplets and carries them to the core. "The iron droplets behave like a lift that is conveyed downward by the water," Dorn said. "This is one of the key results of our study. The larger the planet and the greater its mass, the more the water tends to go with the iron droplets and become integrated into the core. Under certain circumstances, iron can absorb up to 70 times more water than silicates. However, owing to the enormous pressure at the core, the water no longer takes the form of H2O molecules but is present in hydrogen and oxygen," Dorn said. Watch: Mercury's Diamonds: What lies beneath the planet's crust? The scientists used a computer model to understand how water reacts with molten magma on a young planet and found that much of the water, even on super-earth, can end up in its interior. "The larger the planet and the greater its mass, the more the water tends to go with the iron droplets and become integrated into the core," Dorn said. "Under certain circumstances, iron can absorb up to 70 times more water than silicates. However, owing to the enormous pressure at the core, the water no longer takes the form of H20 molecules but is present in hydrogen and oxygen. So if we find water in a planet's atmosphere, there is probably a great deal more in its interior," she explained. (With inputs from agencies)

Water on exoplanets? Earth-like planets may be holding water in molten cores

India will spend nearly $300 million in two years to expand water bodies like lakes and build drains in seven cities including Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru to mitigate floods and conserve water, a government official told Reuters on Wednesday (Aug 21).

Flooding, often fatal, is common in Indian cities every monsoon as rapid urbanisation devours city lakes and waste clogs drains. Such flooding has been preceded by severe water shortages in recent years, especially in Delhi and Bengaluru, where once-plenty water storage spaces have shrunk.

Ratings agency Moody's warned in June that India's growing water stress could affect its growth, which at a projected 7.2 per cent this April-March fiscal year is the highest among major economies.

The federal government spending, the first flood control measure focused on water bodies, was approved recently and will also incorporate early-warning systems, said Krishna S. Vatsa, one of the three members of the National Disaster Management Authority.

"It could become one of the most significant approaches to flood mitigation in the cities," Vatsa said in an interview.

"While the importance of stormwater drainage in reducing the runoff cannot be overlooked, they also need to be supplemented by some of the nature-based solutions such as increasing the capacity of rivers and lakes to carry rainwater."

Watch |&nbsp;India Monsoon: Heavy rains triggers floods 7 landslides

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He said of the 25 billion rupees ($298 million), Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata would each receive 5 billion rupees, while Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Pune will get 2.5 billion rupees each. No allotment was made for the capital Delhi, since the cities were chosen based on the frequency of floods and an assessment of resulting losses there, Vatsa said.

However, he warned that longer-term measures were also needed, especially since the country was witnessing huge volumes of rain in a short span of time.

More than 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rain lashed India's financial capital Mumbai in six hours early on July 8, authorities have said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-himachal-and-kerala-indias-flood-fury-turns-to-maharashtra-747359">Also read |&nbsp;After Himachal and Kerala, India's flood fury turns to Maharashtra</a>

"Whenever a city receives 100 mm of rainfall, there is bound to be inundation," Vatsa said. "You need a certain level of investment continuously which is supported by a whole lot of governance measures so that the problem could be reduced."

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India will spend nearly $300 million in two years to expand water bodies like lakes and build drains in seven cities including Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru to mitigate floods and conserve water, a government official told Reuters on Wednesday (Aug 21).

India will spend nearly $300 million in two years to expand water bodies like lakes and build drains in seven cities including Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru to mitigate floods and conserve water, a government official told Reuters on Wednesday (Aug 21). Flooding, often fatal, is common in Indian cities every monsoon as rapid urbanisation devours city lakes and waste clogs drains. Such flooding has been preceded by severe water shortages in recent years, especially in Delhi and Bengaluru, where once-plenty water storage spaces have shrunk. Ratings agency Moody's warned in June that India's growing water stress could affect its growth, which at a projected 7.2 per cent this April-March fiscal year is the highest among major economies. The federal government spending, the first flood control measure focused on water bodies, was approved recently and will also incorporate early-warning systems, said Krishna S. Vatsa, one of the three members of the National Disaster Management Authority. "It could become one of the most significant approaches to flood mitigation in the cities," Vatsa said in an interview. "While the importance of stormwater drainage in reducing the runoff cannot be overlooked, they also need to be supplemented by some of the nature-based solutions such as increasing the capacity of rivers and lakes to carry rainwater." Watch | India Monsoon: Heavy rains triggers floods 7 landslides × He said of the 25 billion rupees ($298 million), Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata would each receive 5 billion rupees, while Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Pune will get 2.5 billion rupees each. No allotment was made for the capital Delhi, since the cities were chosen based on the frequency of floods and an assessment of resulting losses there, Vatsa said. However, he warned that longer-term measures were also needed, especially since the country was witnessing huge volumes of rain in a short span of time. More than 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rain lashed India's financial capital Mumbai in six hours early on July 8, authorities have said. Also read | After Himachal and Kerala, India's flood fury turns to Maharashtra "Whenever a city receives 100 mm of rainfall, there is bound to be inundation," Vatsa said. "You need a certain level of investment continuously which is supported by a whole lot of governance measures so that the problem could be reduced." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Indian govt to spend $300mn to thwart floods, conserve water

A rare-heard discovery of evidence of hydrations has been made on asteroid Psyche using the data collected by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope.

In the study carried out by the Southwest Research Institute-led team, the presence of hydroxyl molecules was confirmed on the metallic asteroid Psyche's surface.

The existence of the hydrated minerals has shifted the spotlight on the history of the asteroid which has been orbiting the sun between planets Mars and Jupiter.

Asteroid Psyche, which is 140 miles in diameter, is one of the biggest space rocks in the main asteroid belt.&nbsp;

It is a dense and mostly metallic celestial object which is suspected to be the leftover core of some planet that may have gone through a catastrophic collision.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/esas-gaia-telescope-detects-352-asteroids-hovering-around-elusive-moons-749167">ESA's Gaia telescope detects 352 asteroids hovering around elusive moons</a>

&nbsp;The Psyche spacecraft was launched by NASA on October 13, 2023, and will cover 2.2 billion miles and reach the asteroid in August 2029.

Planetary Science Journal paper's second author Dr Tracy Becker said, "Using telescopes at different wavelengths of infrared light, the SwRI-led research will provide different but complementary information to what the Psyche spacecraft is designed to study."

"Our understanding of solar system evolution is closely tied to interpretations of asteroid composition, particularly the M-class asteroids that contain higher concentrations of metal," said Dr. Stephanie Jarmak, the lead author of the study.

"These asteroids were initially thought to be the exposed cores of differentiated planetesimals, a hypothesis based on their spectral similarity to iron meteorites," she added.

<h2>James Webb hints at presence of water on surface of asteroid Psyche</h2>

The data collected by the James Webb telescope points to the presence of hydroxyl on the surface of Psyche and also hints at the existence of water.&nbsp;

The hydrated minerals can come from external sources, which include impactors.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;NASA finds oceans of water on Mars, deep in Martian crust

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-finds-oceans-of-water-on-mars-deep-in-martian-crust-749924/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, if hydration is native to the asteroid then it will have a different evolutionary history in comparison to what current models suggest.

"Asteroids are leftovers from the planetary formation process, so their compositions vary depending on where they formed in the&nbsp;solar nebula," said co-author Dr. Anicia Arredondo&nbsp;

"Hydration that is endogenous could suggest that Psyche is not the remnant core of a protoplanet. Instead, it could suggest that Psyche originated beyond the 'snow line,' the minimum distance from the sun where protoplanetary disk temperatures are low enough for volatile compounds to condense into solids, before migrating to the outer main belt," she added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A rare-heard discovery of evidence of hydrations has been made on asteroid Psyche using the data collected by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. In the study carried out by the Southwest Research Institute-led team, the presence of hydroxyl molecules was confirmed on the metallic asteroid Psyche's surface.

A rare-heard discovery of evidence of hydrations has been made on asteroid Psyche using the data collected by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. In the study carried out by the Southwest Research Institute-led team, the presence of hydroxyl molecules was confirmed on the metallic asteroid Psyche's surface. The existence of the hydrated minerals has shifted the spotlight on the history of the asteroid which has been orbiting the sun between planets Mars and Jupiter. Asteroid Psyche, which is 140 miles in diameter, is one of the biggest space rocks in the main asteroid belt. It is a dense and mostly metallic celestial object which is suspected to be the leftover core of some planet that may have gone through a catastrophic collision. Also Read: ESA's Gaia telescope detects 352 asteroids hovering around elusive moons The Psyche spacecraft was launched by NASA on October 13, 2023, and will cover 2.2 billion miles and reach the asteroid in August 2029. Planetary Science Journal paper's second author Dr Tracy Becker said, "Using telescopes at different wavelengths of infrared light, the SwRI-led research will provide different but complementary information to what the Psyche spacecraft is designed to study." "Our understanding of solar system evolution is closely tied to interpretations of asteroid composition, particularly the M-class asteroids that contain higher concentrations of metal," said Dr. Stephanie Jarmak, the lead author of the study. "These asteroids were initially thought to be the exposed cores of differentiated planetesimals, a hypothesis based on their spectral similarity to iron meteorites," she added. James Webb hints at presence of water on surface of asteroid Psyche The data collected by the James Webb telescope points to the presence of hydroxyl on the surface of Psyche and also hints at the existence of water. The hydrated minerals can come from external sources, which include impactors. Watch: NASA finds oceans of water on Mars, deep in Martian crust However, if hydration is native to the asteroid then it will have a different evolutionary history in comparison to what current models suggest. "Asteroids are leftovers from the planetary formation process, so their compositions vary depending on where they formed in the solar nebula," said co-author Dr. Anicia Arredondo "Hydration that is endogenous could suggest that Psyche is not the remnant core of a protoplanet. Instead, it could suggest that Psyche originated beyond the 'snow line,' the minimum distance from the sun where protoplanetary disk temperatures are low enough for volatile compounds to condense into solids, before migrating to the outer main belt," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Water on an asteroid? Scientists find hydration evidence on asteroid Psyche

The imprint of a different and rare kind of dinosaurs in China has left palaeontologists puzzled. The footprints frozen in time are said to belong to chicken-sized dinosaurs who used to spend time near a water source because of which the footprints were created by them unknowingly.

The imprint of a different and rare kind of dinosaurs in China has left palaeontologists puzzled. The footprints frozen in time are said to belong to chicken-sized dinosaurs who used to spend time near a water source because of which the footprints were created by them unknowingly. These footprints have emerged as key evidence that will help palaeontologists solve the puzzle of the evolution of dinosaurs to birds. All about chicken-sized dinosaurs The chicken-sized dinosaurs had three toes and were not bigger than a human's thumb. They were part of the group of tiniest dinosaurs known as Minisauripus. Also Read: This dinosaur walked on Earth when just one big supercontinent existed This tiniest group of dinosaurs were discovered only because of their fossilised footprints. For the "first time" the fossilised footprints of chicken-sized dinosaurs have been discovered by scientists in northwest China (Gansu area), as reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP). This discovery also explains a lot of things about the evolution of birds. The Minisauripus are not a direct ancestor of birds, however, they are an important key in the evolution process. These bipedal dinosaurs roamed on Earth in the early Cretaceous era, when there was relatively warm temperature. In this period, new dinosaur groups emerged on Earth which included Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. The China University of Geosciences researchers made the stunning discovery of five tiny, three-toed fossil footprints which were between 1 to 3 centimetres (0.39 inches to 1.18 inches) in size. Watch: Elusive artist Banksy unleashes animals on London “We estimate that the body length [of the dinosaurs] is about 25cm (9.84 inches), but the tail should account for at least half of the length,” said Xing Lida, who is a palaeontologist and associate professor at the university, while speaking to South China Morning Post. According to the researchers, this finding was important as it emphasised the diversity of the dinosaurs and also helped in understanding how dinosaurs evolved into birds. In the process of evolution of dinosaurs, miniaturisation was an important stage. Xing emphasised that the new discovery will help scientists gain insight into the evolution of birds. “The miniaturisation of dinosaurs was a key factor in their evolution into birds, and it was a very important evolutionary event,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

China once was home to rare chicken-sized dinosaurs which lived near water sources

The Red Planet, long perceived as a barren, desolate world, has unveiled a surprising secret. Scientists have unearthed compelling evidence suggesting that the Martian crust harbours enough water to potentially fill entire oceans.

Mars hides a secret: A vast underground water reservoir

A study released Monday using data from NASA's Mars InSight lander shows evidence of liquid water far below the surface of the fourth planet, advancing the search for life there and showing what might have happened to Mars' ancient oceans.

NASA finds oceans of water on Mars, deep in Martian crust

In a new study, scientists have raised concerns regarding the depleting presence of dissolved oxygen in the water bodies across Earth which has been emerging as one of the greatest risks to the lives on the planet.&nbsp;

Similar to how atmospheric oxygen is important for animals, the dissolved oxygen (DO) in water is important for healthy aquatic ecosystems if it is marine or freshwater.&nbsp;

Since billions of people&nbsp;depend on freshwater and marine habitats for food and income, the rapid decline of oxygen in these ecosystems has become a concern for them.

It has been proposed by a team of scientists that aquatic deoxygenation should be added to the list of 'planetary boundaries'.

So far, the planetary boundaries include nine domains that impose thresholds "within which humanity can continue to develop and thrive for generations to come", as per the study.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-groundwater-to-turn-undrinkable-for-half-a-billion-people-by-2100-study-740031">Earth's groundwater to turn 'undrinkable' for half a billion people by 2100: Study</a>

These domains are climate change, ocean acidification, stratospheric ozone depletion, interference with the global phosphorus and nitrogen cycles, rate of biodiversity loss, global freshwater use, land-system change, aerosol loading, and chemical pollution.

<h2>Here's what depletion of aquatic oxygen will lead to&nbsp;</h2>

A team, headed by freshwater ecologist Kevin Rose from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the United States, has raised concerns regarding this list overlooking the most important limits of the Earth.&nbsp;

"The observed deoxygenation of the Earth's freshwater and marine ecosystems represents an additional planetary boundary process," wrote the authors, adding, "that is critical to the integrity of Earth's ecological and social systems, and both regulates and responds to ongoing changes in other planetary boundary processes."

"Relevant, critical oxygen thresholds are being approached at rates comparable to other planetary boundary processes," they added.

There are various reasons why the concentration of dissolved oxygen has decreased.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists find underground caves on moon

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Warmer waters are not able to hold as much dissolved oxygen and since&nbsp;the greenhouse gas emissions have been increasing air and water temperatures beyond their long-term averages, surface waters are failing to hold this vital element.

Aquatic life has also been blamed for the depletion of the dissolved oxygen. Algal blooms and bacterial booms lead to an influx of organic matter and nutrients in the form of sewage and industrial waste, and agricultural and domestic fertilisers which are able to soak up dissolved oxygen.

In some cases, there has been so much depletion of the oxygen that the microbes suffocated and died.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a new study, scientists have raised concerns regarding the depleting presence of dissolved oxygen in the water bodies across Earth which has been emerging as one of the greatest risks to the lives on the planet.

In a new study, scientists have raised concerns regarding the depleting presence of dissolved oxygen in the water bodies across Earth which has been emerging as one of the greatest risks to the lives on the planet. Similar to how atmospheric oxygen is important for animals, the dissolved oxygen (DO) in water is important for healthy aquatic ecosystems if it is marine or freshwater. Since billions of people depend on freshwater and marine habitats for food and income, the rapid decline of oxygen in these ecosystems has become a concern for them. It has been proposed by a team of scientists that aquatic deoxygenation should be added to the list of 'planetary boundaries'. So far, the planetary boundaries include nine domains that impose thresholds "within which humanity can continue to develop and thrive for generations to come", as per the study. Also Read: Earth's groundwater to turn 'undrinkable' for half a billion people by 2100: Study These domains are climate change, ocean acidification, stratospheric ozone depletion, interference with the global phosphorus and nitrogen cycles, rate of biodiversity loss, global freshwater use, land-system change, aerosol loading, and chemical pollution. Here's what depletion of aquatic oxygen will lead to A team, headed by freshwater ecologist Kevin Rose from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the United States, has raised concerns regarding this list overlooking the most important limits of the Earth. "The observed deoxygenation of the Earth's freshwater and marine ecosystems represents an additional planetary boundary process," wrote the authors, adding, "that is critical to the integrity of Earth's ecological and social systems, and both regulates and responds to ongoing changes in other planetary boundary processes." "Relevant, critical oxygen thresholds are being approached at rates comparable to other planetary boundary processes," they added. There are various reasons why the concentration of dissolved oxygen has decreased. Watch: Scientists find underground caves on moon Warmer waters are not able to hold as much dissolved oxygen and since the greenhouse gas emissions have been increasing air and water temperatures beyond their long-term averages, surface waters are failing to hold this vital element. Aquatic life has also been blamed for the depletion of the dissolved oxygen. Algal blooms and bacterial booms lead to an influx of organic matter and nutrients in the form of sewage and industrial waste, and agricultural and domestic fertilisers which are able to soak up dissolved oxygen. In some cases, there has been so much depletion of the oxygen that the microbes suffocated and died. (With inputs from agencies)

Oxygen is depleting from Earth's water. Here's how it is threatening lives on planet

Long before human civilisation existed on our planet, Earth was just a dry fireball with no water on it and appeared very similar to other exoplanets.

So how, did this burning and hellish planet get water bodies and become a hospitable place for human civilisation?&nbsp;

The researchers, while studying certain meteorite classes, found the source that led to the existence of water-rich cosmic bodies in the primordial solar system.

The scientists identified mini astronomical structures,&nbsp;known as planetesimals, as agents that made the cosmic delivery of water.

The planetesimals brought materials for planet construction, which included our Earth, which had very little water to start with.

Explaining these cosmic bodies, Director of the Klaus Tschira Laboratory for Cosmochemistry at Heidelberg University’s&nbsp;Institute of Earth Sciences, Professor Dr. Mario Trieloff said, “These small bodies did not just supply the building materials for the planets. They are, in reality, the very source of Earth’s water."&nbsp;

These planetesimals remained at cooler temperatures in the&nbsp;outer solar system. In this place, ice remained as solid-state water.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-2024-mt-1-makes-extremely-close-approach-to-earth-739111">Asteroid 2024 MT-1 makes extremely close approach to Earth</a>

These planetesimals were starkly different from other celestial bodies which were formed earlier in the history of the solar system. Those bodies were too hot and very close to the Sun, which made it impossible to create ice.&nbsp;

These bodies, which were formed at an early stage in the universe, faced intense thermal conditions which prevented the accumulation or retention of volatile substances like water.

<h2>How was the research carried out?</h2>

The international research team, which included distinguished earth scientists from Heidelberg University, meticulously analysed age data and used sophisticated computational models, to trace the thermal evolution of these planetesimals' parent bodies.

Throughout their research, they carried out the examination of isotopic compositions and conducted simulations to understand the material composition and heat dynamics of these early solar system objects.

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists say the Earth's core is behaving oddly. Here's why

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In the research, the team found that some planetesimals&nbsp;formed extremely rapidly in a time span of less than two million years.&nbsp;

The bodies faced intense heating, melted completely, and lost all their volatile elements, which included water.

Short-lived radioactive isotopes, that release substantial amounts of heat, started decaying, which led to rapid heating.

Meanwhile, in the study, it was found that a second group of planetesimals was formed later on&nbsp;at cooler temperatures in the outer reaches of the solar system.

(With inputs from agencies)

Long before human civilisation existed on our planet, Earth was just a dry fireball with no water on it and appeared very similar to other exoplanets. So how, did this burning and hellish planet get water bodies and become a hospitable place for human civilisation?

Long before human civilisation existed on our planet, Earth was just a dry fireball with no water on it and appeared very similar to other exoplanets. So how, did this burning and hellish planet get water bodies and become a hospitable place for human civilisation? The researchers, while studying certain meteorite classes, found the source that led to the existence of water-rich cosmic bodies in the primordial solar system. The scientists identified mini astronomical structures, known as planetesimals, as agents that made the cosmic delivery of water. The planetesimals brought materials for planet construction, which included our Earth, which had very little water to start with. Explaining these cosmic bodies, Director of the Klaus Tschira Laboratory for Cosmochemistry at Heidelberg University’s Institute of Earth Sciences, Professor Dr. Mario Trieloff said, “These small bodies did not just supply the building materials for the planets. They are, in reality, the very source of Earth’s water." These planetesimals remained at cooler temperatures in the outer solar system. In this place, ice remained as solid-state water. Also Read: Asteroid 2024 MT-1 makes extremely close approach to Earth These planetesimals were starkly different from other celestial bodies which were formed earlier in the history of the solar system. Those bodies were too hot and very close to the Sun, which made it impossible to create ice. These bodies, which were formed at an early stage in the universe, faced intense thermal conditions which prevented the accumulation or retention of volatile substances like water. How was the research carried out? The international research team, which included distinguished earth scientists from Heidelberg University, meticulously analysed age data and used sophisticated computational models, to trace the thermal evolution of these planetesimals' parent bodies. Throughout their research, they carried out the examination of isotopic compositions and conducted simulations to understand the material composition and heat dynamics of these early solar system objects. Watch: Scientists say the Earth's core is behaving oddly. Here's why In the research, the team found that some planetesimals formed extremely rapidly in a time span of less than two million years. The bodies faced intense heating, melted completely, and lost all their volatile elements, which included water. Short-lived radioactive isotopes, that release substantial amounts of heat, started decaying, which led to rapid heating. Meanwhile, in the study, it was found that a second group of planetesimals was formed later on at cooler temperatures in the outer reaches of the solar system. (With inputs from agencies)

Earth received cosmic delivery of water in its early days when it was a fireball. This was the source

Scientists and space enthusiasts have been searching for every possible hint of the existence of water on Mars.&nbsp;

However, the traditional methods have not proved effective in detecting liquid water which is most likely present deep below the Martian surface.&nbsp;

Scientists are now looking at a new approach which involves marsquakes and holds the capacity to provide the breakthrough in this water hunt.

An innovative technique was proposed by researchers from&nbsp;Penn State, headed by doctoral candidate Nolan Roth and Professor Tieyuan Zhu which can revolutionise the understanding of the hydrological history of Mars.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-hirise-camera-captures-image-of-phobos-mars-space-potato-moon-734199">NASA's HiRISE camera captures image of phobos, Mars' 'space potato' Moon</a>

According to the study, analysing electromagnetic signals which are produced by marsquakes can help in detecting water which is present underground.

“We explore the possibility of detecting and characterizing subsurface water on Mars using natural signals called seismo-electric interface responses,” stated the study authors.

“These seismo-electric interface responses can be created when marsquakes interact with liquid water held in deep aquifers, so they can be used as unambiguous signs of mobile water," they noted.

<h2>What are Marsquakes?&nbsp;</h2>

Marsquakes are a type of seismic activity&nbsp;that happens on Mars and is similar to earthquakes which occur on Earth.&nbsp;

They are created by the sudden release of energy in the interior of the planet which causes ground vibrations.

Marsquakes can be formed due to various factors which include volcanic activity, the impact of meteorites or tectonic movements.

Scientists by studying the marsquakes can understand the geological activity and internal structure of Mars.&nbsp;

NASA’s InSight lander has played a major role in detecting and studying these quakes after it landed on Mars in 2018.&nbsp;

It was once believed that Mars had vast oceans but through time most of that water vanished.

“The scientific community has theories that Mars used to have oceans and that, over the course of its history, all that water went away. But there is evidence that some water is trapped somewhere in the subsurface. We just haven’t been able to find it,” said Roth.

<h2>What did the researchers propose?</h2>

A technique known as the seismoelectric method has been proposed by researchers to detect&nbsp;water&nbsp;on Mars.&nbsp;

The approach depends on the unique electromagnetic signals which are produced when&nbsp;seismic&nbsp;waves cross the underground aquifers.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | The danger posed by Chinese space debris

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-danger-posed-by-chinese-space-debris-735444/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“If we listen to the marsquakes that are moving through the subsurface, if they pass through water, they’ll create these wonderful, unique signals of electromagnetic fields. These signals would be diagnostic of current, modern-day water on Mars," said Roth.&nbsp;

The dry surface of Mars interestingly makes it easier for scientists to detect the signals compared to Earth.

“On Mars, where the near-surface is certainly desiccated, no such separation is needed. In contrast to how seismoelectric signals often appear on Earth, Mars’ surface naturally removes the noise and exposes useful data that allows us to characterize several aquifer properties,” said Professor Zhu.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists and space enthusiasts have been searching for every possible hint of the existence of water on Mars. However, the traditional methods have not proved effective in detecting liquid water which is most likely present deep below the Martian surface.

Scientists and space enthusiasts have been searching for every possible hint of the existence of water on Mars. However, the traditional methods have not proved effective in detecting liquid water which is most likely present deep below the Martian surface. Scientists are now looking at a new approach which involves marsquakes and holds the capacity to provide the breakthrough in this water hunt. An innovative technique was proposed by researchers from Penn State, headed by doctoral candidate Nolan Roth and Professor Tieyuan Zhu which can revolutionise the understanding of the hydrological history of Mars. Also Read: NASA's HiRISE camera captures image of phobos, Mars' 'space potato' Moon According to the study, analysing electromagnetic signals which are produced by marsquakes can help in detecting water which is present underground. “We explore the possibility of detecting and characterizing subsurface water on Mars using natural signals called seismo-electric interface responses,” stated the study authors. “These seismo-electric interface responses can be created when marsquakes interact with liquid water held in deep aquifers, so they can be used as unambiguous signs of mobile water," they noted. What are Marsquakes? Marsquakes are a type of seismic activity that happens on Mars and is similar to earthquakes which occur on Earth. They are created by the sudden release of energy in the interior of the planet which causes ground vibrations. Marsquakes can be formed due to various factors which include volcanic activity, the impact of meteorites or tectonic movements. Scientists by studying the marsquakes can understand the geological activity and internal structure of Mars. NASA’s InSight lander has played a major role in detecting and studying these quakes after it landed on Mars in 2018. It was once believed that Mars had vast oceans but through time most of that water vanished. “The scientific community has theories that Mars used to have oceans and that, over the course of its history, all that water went away. But there is evidence that some water is trapped somewhere in the subsurface. We just haven’t been able to find it,” said Roth. What did the researchers propose? A technique known as the seismoelectric method has been proposed by researchers to detect water on Mars. The approach depends on the unique electromagnetic signals which are produced when seismic waves cross the underground aquifers. Watch: Gravitas | The danger posed by Chinese space debris “If we listen to the marsquakes that are moving through the subsurface, if they pass through water, they’ll create these wonderful, unique signals of electromagnetic fields. These signals would be diagnostic of current, modern-day water on Mars," said Roth. The dry surface of Mars interestingly makes it easier for scientists to detect the signals compared to Earth. “On Mars, where the near-surface is certainly desiccated, no such separation is needed. In contrast to how seismoelectric signals often appear on Earth, Mars’ surface naturally removes the noise and exposes useful data that allows us to characterize several aquifer properties,” said Professor Zhu. (With inputs from agencies)

Study suggests quakes on Mars hiding water secrets of red planet, hint at possibility of life

Scientists have been hunting for one sign of life on Mars and even the slightest presence of water can prove to be a breakthrough.&nbsp;

In this hunt for alien life, scientists have now made a discovery by detecting the patches of water frost equal to "60 Olympic-size swimming pools" on the Martian volcanoes.

The scientists spotted thin and widespread layers of water frost which were spotted atop three of Tharsis volcanoes in Mars, as per a new study published in the journal&nbsp;Nature Geoscience.

The volcanoes are located on a plateau at the equator of the planet. The Tharsis volcanoes, which are a series of 12 large peaks, are the tallest volcanoes present in our solar system, as per the study.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mysterious-hole-appears-on-surface-of-mars-whats-hiding-in-there-aliens-727237">Mysterious hole appears on surface of Mars. What's hiding in there? Aliens?</a>

The study further emphasised that the water frost was discovered on the volcanoes Olympus, Arsia Ascraeus Mons, and Ceraunius Tholus.

In a press release, researchers from Brown University said, "The researchers calculate the frost constitutes at least 150,000 tonnes of water that swap between the surface and atmosphere each day during the cold seasons. That's the equivalent of roughly 60 Olympic-size swimming pools."

<h2>European Space Agency's missions capture water frost</h2>

The European Space Agency's Mars Express and ExoMars missions clicked 30,000 images of the water frost while orbiting the planet and a team of international researchers then analysed the planet, as per the study.

The thin layer of frost found was approximately "one-hundredth of a millimetre thick or about the width of a human hair," as per the study. The study added that they are formed during sunrise and eventually evaporate amid daylight hours.

In a press release, lead author of study and postdoctoral fellow at Brown University Adomas Valantinas said, "We thought it was impossible for frost to form around Mars' equator, as the mix of sunshine and thin atmosphere keeps temperatures during the day relatively high at both the surface and mountaintop — unlike what we see on Earth, where you might expect to see frosty peaks."

Speaking about the frost discovery to AFP, Paris-Saclay University's &nbsp;Frederic Schmidt said, "We saw a shiny, blue deposit there, a particular texture that we only see in the early morning and during the cold seasons."

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Is China practicing placing payload in space?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-china-practicing-placing-payload-in-space-730610/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"What we're seeing may be a remnant of an ancient climate cycle on modern Mars, where you had precipitation and maybe even snowfall on these volcanoes in the past," he added,

As per the study, the water frost is present on the calderas of the volcanoes which are huge depressions present at the top of the summit that were formed after eruptions in the past.

Speaking about the presence of water on Martian Earth ESA scientist Colin Wilson said, “Finding water on the surface of Mars is always exciting, both for scientific interest and for its implications for human and robotic exploration."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Scientists have been hunting for one sign of life on Mars and even the slightest presence of water can prove to be a breakthrough. In this hunt for alien life, scientists have now made a discovery by detecting the patches of water frost equal to "60 Olympic-size swimming pools" on the Martian volcanoes.

Scientists have been hunting for one sign of life on Mars and even the slightest presence of water can prove to be a breakthrough. In this hunt for alien life, scientists have now made a discovery by detecting the patches of water frost equal to "60 Olympic-size swimming pools" on the Martian volcanoes. The scientists spotted thin and widespread layers of water frost which were spotted atop three of Tharsis volcanoes in Mars, as per a new study published in the journal Nature Geoscience. The volcanoes are located on a plateau at the equator of the planet. The Tharsis volcanoes, which are a series of 12 large peaks, are the tallest volcanoes present in our solar system, as per the study. Also Read: Mysterious hole appears on surface of Mars. What's hiding in there? Aliens? The study further emphasised that the water frost was discovered on the volcanoes Olympus, Arsia Ascraeus Mons, and Ceraunius Tholus. In a press release, researchers from Brown University said, "The researchers calculate the frost constitutes at least 150,000 tonnes of water that swap between the surface and atmosphere each day during the cold seasons. That's the equivalent of roughly 60 Olympic-size swimming pools." European Space Agency's missions capture water frost The European Space Agency's Mars Express and ExoMars missions clicked 30,000 images of the water frost while orbiting the planet and a team of international researchers then analysed the planet, as per the study. The thin layer of frost found was approximately "one-hundredth of a millimetre thick or about the width of a human hair," as per the study. The study added that they are formed during sunrise and eventually evaporate amid daylight hours. In a press release, lead author of study and postdoctoral fellow at Brown University Adomas Valantinas said, "We thought it was impossible for frost to form around Mars' equator, as the mix of sunshine and thin atmosphere keeps temperatures during the day relatively high at both the surface and mountaintop — unlike what we see on Earth, where you might expect to see frosty peaks." Speaking about the frost discovery to AFP, Paris-Saclay University's Frederic Schmidt said, "We saw a shiny, blue deposit there, a particular texture that we only see in the early morning and during the cold seasons." Watch: Gravitas: Is China practicing placing payload in space? "What we're seeing may be a remnant of an ancient climate cycle on modern Mars, where you had precipitation and maybe even snowfall on these volcanoes in the past," he added, As per the study, the water frost is present on the calderas of the volcanoes which are huge depressions present at the top of the summit that were formed after eruptions in the past. Speaking about the presence of water on Martian Earth ESA scientist Colin Wilson said, “Finding water on the surface of Mars is always exciting, both for scientific interest and for its implications for human and robotic exploration." (With inputs from agencies)

Water on Mars! Early morning frost spotted on volcanoes in breakthrough discovery

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