"Extraordinary scientific revelations have been shaking the foundations of our understanding of the world, and the latest one is truly groundbreaking. A colossal ocean, concealed beneath the Earth’s crust, has just been unveiled, adding a new dimension to our planet’s complex structure. This hidden body of water is held within a type of rock known as ‘ringwoodite’, found approximately 400 miles beneath the Earth’s surface, and its discovery could be the key to unraveling the enigma of Earth’s vast amount of surface water.

The intriguing details of this find were published in a 2014 scientific paper titled ‘Dehydration melting at the top of the lower mantle.’ The research revealed the unique properties of ringwoodite, which, akin to a sponge, soaks up and traps water in a previously unknown fourth state, neither liquid, solid, nor gas. Geophysicist Steve Jacobsen, who participated in the research, explained the significance of this discovery, stating, "I think we are finally seeing evidence for a whole-Earth water cycle," a concept that scientists have been pursuing for decades."

Hidden Ocean: The Enigma Underneath Earth’s Crust

As science continues to pierce the veil of unknown, it feels like staggering discoveries are emerging every other day. In the face of a black hole pointing right at us, a huge hole found in the sun, and a missing continent that came to light after 375 years, a recent revelation seems to outshine them all. A massive ocean, hidden deep under the Earth’s crust, has come to public attention, opening up a whole new avenue in the realm of earth science.

A Watery Surprise, 400 Miles Down

Stored in a type of rock called ‘ringwoodite’, located about 400 miles underground, is a vast reservoir of water. This discovery is a significant addition to the previous understanding of how water is stored inside mantle rock. Rather than being in a conventional state – liquid, solid, or gas – the water exists in a fourth, sponge-like state. This mind-boggling discovery was published in a 2014 scientific paper titled ‘Dehydration melting at the top of the lower mantle’.

Ringwoodite: The Deep-Sea Sponge

According to geophysicist Steve Jacobsen, who was part of the team behind the discovery, ringwoodite absorbs water like a sponge. Its unique crystal structure attracts hydrogen and traps water. "This mineral can contain a lot of water under conditions of the deep mantle,” Jacobsen stated. Moreover, he suggested that this discovery provides evidence for a whole-Earth water cycle, potentially explaining the vast amount of liquid water on the surface of our habitable planet. This missing deep water has been a subject of scientific search for decades.

The Discovery Process: Decoding Earthquakes

The findings were made after studying earthquakes and observing that seismometers were picking up shockwaves under the surface of the Earth. This led scientists to conclude that the water was being held in ringwoodite. If this rock contained even 1% water, it would mean that there is three times more water under the earth’s surface than in the oceans on top.

The Unending Quest for Discovery

This revelation is not the only significant scientific breakthrough of late. Researchers recently discovered a completely new ecosystem while examining volcanic crust with the aid of an underwater robot. This further reinforces the fact that nature holds many more secrets yet to be unearthed.

In conclusion, the discovery of the hidden ocean deep beneath the Earth’s crust is a testament to the unyielding progress of science. It not only challenges our understanding of the Earth but also opens up new possibilities for research. Who knows what other mysteries lie beneath our feet, waiting to be discovered? The quest for knowledge, it seems, is as deep as the hidden ocean itself.