A Massive Freshwater Reservoir Discovered Beneath the Atlantic Ocean
According to the CNN online portal, scientists have discovered a massive reservoir of freshwater beneath the Atlantic Ocean following a three-month expedition. This freshwater reserve was found off the northeastern coast of the United States — specifically, in an area stretching from New Jersey to northern Maine. To uncover the source, drillers had to drill wells as deep as 400 meters. The operation was named "Expedition 501."
Experts noted that similar large freshwater reserves might also exist off the coasts of other continents, opening up new opportunities to address the global freshwater shortage crisis.
Currently, the origin and age of this freshwater reservoir remain unknown. Scientists are conducting research to determine whether the source is renewable. They are also studying safety concerns, the potential value of the discovery, and — most importantly — the environmental risks associated with it.
According to United Nations data, global demand for freshwater is projected to increase by 40% over the next five years. At the same time, sea levels are rising, and coastal water sources are becoming polluted. This is leading to increased water consumption in industry.
According to experts, the discovered water reserve is sufficient to supply a city or country with a population of 20 million people with freshwater for 800 years.
