Data had long shown that seismic waves travel significantly faster below that depth, and geologists had believed that this was due to a “basement” of basalt. Instead, the difference was discovered to be a change in the rock brought on my intense heat pressure, or metamorphic rock. …
…this deep rock was found to be saturated in water.
Because free water should not be found at those depths, scientists theorize that the water is comprised of hydrogen and oxygen atoms which were squeezed out of the surrounding rocks due to the incredible pressure. The water was then prevented from rising to the surface because of the layer of impermeable rocks above it.
Another unexpected find was a menagerie of microscopic fossils as deep as 6.7 kilometers (4.2 miles) below the surface.
More at Damn Interesting.
An overview from the Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska
Eight North American locations have emerged as potential candidate sites for a Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory.
About 20 years ago I bought a report written by the institutes and scientists in the USSR about the drilling at Kola Penninsula. The high pressures and crystalline formations truly open new horizons and challenge our theories.
Water, water, everywhere, and..