One of the largest freshwater reserves discovered in the USA

In the 1970s, during a fossil searchfuel under the Atlantic Ocean, oil companies often stumble upon fresh water. These findings hinted that there is a so-called aquifer somewhere under salt water, which in the future could become a huge source of drinking water. Until now, scientists have not had accurate data on the size of water reserves hidden under the ground, but after decades of research the mystery finally revealed - the aquifer extends along almost the entire northeastern coast of the United States.

The discovery was made thanks to the teamresearchers led by marine geologist Chloe Gustafson. The study began in 2015 - scientists scanned the coast of New Jersey and the island of Martha Vinyard using the electromagnetic receiver of the vessel Marcus G. Langseth. A large electrical conductivity of salt water, in contrast to fresh water, helped to make a map of the location of the waters.

The largest supply of fresh water

It turned out that freshwater reserves extendfrom Massachusetts to New Jersey, and affect Delaware, New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island. With a length of 350 kilometers, the reservoir contains 2.8 thousand cubic kilometers of slightly saline water. The presence of salt is especially noticeable from above, closer to the bottom of the ocean - before consuming such water, it is necessary to desalinate it.

Underground reserves could form 15-20 thousandyears ago, during the melting of glaciers, as well as the ebb and flow of existing underwater sources. Their area may be larger - hidden fresh water can accumulate in the northeastern part of the Atlantic continental shelf of the United States. If this is true, then scientists have discovered the largest known aquifer in the world.

The water supply is highlighted in yellow.

Such repositories may exist throughoutworld - at the moment people simply did not find them. For example, someday they can be found under such hot and dry places like California and Australia. In the future, the discoveries of scientists can solve the problem of lack of fresh water.

On the "water" also recommend reading ourmaterial about the new method of water purification, using bubbles with carbon dioxide. It is cheaper, simpler and simply more interesting than boiling and disinfecting under ultraviolet rays.

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