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Unexplained Mysteries Discussion Forums > Science > Natural World
Owlscrying
A mineral that acts like a sponge beneath Earth's surface stores more oxygen than expected, keeping our planet from becoming dry and inhospitable like Mars.

The key to the abundant oxygen storage is the mineral majorite, which exists deep below Earth's surface in the mantle. Without the oxygen stockpile, Earth would probably be a barren planet hostile to life.

In nature, the deep stores of oxygen (in the form of majorite) ride convection currents up toward Earth's surface. Along the way, the pressure and temperature decrease, and at some point majorite breaks down.

"That's where the stored oxygen is released," said team member Christian Ballhaus of Bonn's Mineralogical Institute. "Near the surface it is made available for all the oxidation reactions that are essential for life on Earth."

Unlocked oxygen can bind with hydrogen that constantly seeps from Earth's interior to form water, making for a water-rich atmosphere.

Once the water is made, Earth's magnetic field helps to keep it in place. The magnetic field prevents the atmosphere from being 'blown away' by solar winds.
go
stevewinn
interesting. thanks for posting
questionmark
Got an idea, how about tapping in to it to offset the CO2 excess in the atmosphere?

Star_girl
I am always amazed at how intricately this world is put together... original.gif

Andromedae
QUOTE(questionmark @ Oct 5 2007, 12:32 AM) *
Got an idea, how about tapping in to it to offset the CO2 excess in the atmosphere?


but then our earth would be a barren and hostile place ,like mars alien.gif
questionmark
QUOTE(Andromedae @ Oct 7 2007, 09:42 PM) *
but then our earth would be a barren and hostile place ,like mars alien.gif


I said some...
DomUhNation
uh o the hollow earth just became more plausable LOL
Legatus Legionis
QUOTE (DomUhNation @ Oct 23 2007, 07:45 PM) *
uh o the hollow earth just became more plausable LOL

umm.. quite not.. please read more closely.
JeremyGTS
QUOTE (DomUhNation @ Oct 23 2007, 07:45 AM) *
uh o the hollow earth just became more plausable LOL


the oxygen is stored in a mineral..
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