Scientists Discover Freshwater Deposit Beneath Sicily Mountain

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have found a substantial deposit of ancient freshwater beneath the mountains of Sicily, as reported by Harriet Brewis for Indy100.

This hidden treasure, located some 2,400 meters below sea level under the Hyblaean Mountains in the southeast of the island, holds an impressive volume of 17.3 cubic kilometers (4.1 cubic miles) of water. I Photo: Jesmond Bonello Facebook

This hidden treasure, located some 2,400 meters below sea level under the Hyblaean Mountains in the southeast of the island, holds an impressive volume of 17.3 cubic kilometers (4.1 cubic miles) of water.

The researchers estimate that this water became trapped approximately 6 million years ago, presenting a potentially vital solution to the current water shortages in the region.

Sicily, situated in the Mediterranean Basin, faces increased threats from climate change due to its already arid climate and the risk of coastal flooding. The scientists behind the discovery propose that this groundwater deposit could play a crucial role in addressing the impending water crisis in southern Italy.

Moreover, the scientists believe that such "unconventional sources of potable water" could be explored and potentially exploited in other areas within the basin.

In a paper published in the journal Nature, the authors stated, "The discovery of such an extensive, preserved, and deep-freshened groundwater body has significant implications as a source of potable water for water-scarce areas along the Mediterranean coastlines (e.g., Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon, and Turkey)."

They further noted, "Indeed, the geological setting and controlling factors in our study area occur elsewhere in the Mediterranean region, e.g., in the Adriatic Carbonate Platform and the Apulia Platform in Italy, in the Nara Platform in Tunisia, etc., where other extensive, deep freshened groundwater bodies may be hosted in carbonate aquifers."

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