Did you know that even though 71% of Earth’s surface is covered by water (including that frozen in the polar ice caps and buried underneath the Earth’s surface), a mere 3% of it is fresh water, and hence suitable for drinking?
Also, have you ever heard this? The puddle of water you splashed through as a kid, the rain showers that nurture your garden, and the glass of water you fill at your faucet to drink may be the same water that a Tyrannosaurus Rex might have tasted when it was alive.
You don’t think so? Hear me out.
There are several theories (some scientific, some not so much) in existence about how old the water on Earth is really.
- The amount of water on Earth is limited. Hence, the water that makes up a third of the Earth today had been around when dinosaurs were alive. However, it may not be true that we are drinking the same water, because what they drank, by virtue of constant water cycles, might be at the bottom of an ocean by now or deep underground.
- Due to water cycle, water molecules evaporate, which means that they are converted into the individual molecules of oxygen and hydrogen. Hence, when the water molecules reform during condensation, it can be argued that they are not the same water molecules anymore.
- It may be safe to say that at least some percentage of water molecules that were around when dinosaurs existed could be lingering in the water we see now. (I won’t go to the technical specifics of the proof for this one.)
Which theory do I second? Irrespective of the scientific reasoning behind it, I’d like to believe in either theory #1 or #3.
Why?
Because they are so much more fascinating and intriguing, that’s why! They provide such scope for imagination.
Which one would you prefer to believe? Or do you have another theory that you’d like to add to the list above? If so, please share it with us!
Interesting article about theory of existing water, Hema. I’m very concerned about the status of our drinking water; so much of it is now polluted. We have spring water here, so I’m always conscious of our daily water usage. During dry spells, like now, we have to ration our consumption.
I tend to think along your lines. At least some of the water here now is the same water that was here long ago, but all of it is part of the same cycle.
Madison, I’m with you on our responsibility of using water very carefully. Wouldn’t it be horrible if we, the humans, ended up polluting water that was around for so long?
You always have such interesting posts, Hema! I like theories #1 and #3 also – much more fun than #2.
Thanks, Susan! :)
I hold to the words of wisdom that say “there is nothing new under the sun”; the cycles were set in motion “In the beginning” and just continue on…so, 1? 3? Love earth facts or theories–
Very astute, Sharmon! Oh, I look forward to your blog when it goes online! :)
“The puddle of water you splashed through as a kid, the rain showers that nurture your garden, and the glass of water you fill at your faucet to drink may be the same water that a Tyrannosaurus Rex might have tasted when it was alive.”
This is very interesting theory Hema!
I guess theory #2 makes sense; ‘the water cycle’. Nothing disappears, it just changes shape, right? It’s all a big cycle :)
It sure is, Lua! We are just a tiny speck of this universe, but I’m still glad that I am here, tiny or not, witnessing all these nature’s miracles.
Clearly I like the idea of dinosaurs drinking the same water I’m drinking. Of course, I’ve drunk water all over the world which gives me an edge, I think, in drinking the same water as those really old guys did.
Fascinating post, Hema!
Jai
You have quite a point there, Jai! :)
“The puddle of water you splashed through as a kid…may be the same water that a Tyrannosaurus Rex might have tasted when it was alive.”
oh WOW this is so fascinating. I need to tell my mom this.
Also, sometimes, even while knowing that it’s filthy, I like to taste the rain. So it might be that I’m tasting….Tyrannosaurus saliva!!! eeeeek
Hmm… would make for a great premise for a sci-fi thriller! :-) That is funny, June!