Hydration and Dehydration in Earth's Interior

Abstract

Hydrogen and deuterium isotopic evidence indicates that the source of terrestrial water was mostly meteorites, with additional influx from nebula gas during accretion. There are two Earth models, with large (7–12 ocean masses) and small (1–4 ocean masses) water budgets that can explain the geochemical, cosmochemical, and geological observations. Geophysical and mineral physics data indicate that the upper and lower mantles are generally dry, whereas the mantle transition zone is wetter, with heterogeneous water distribution. Subducting slabs are a source of water influx, and there are three major sites of deep dehydration: the base of the upper mantle, and the top and bottom of the lower mantle in addition to slabs in the shallow upper mantle. Hydrated regions surround these dehydration sites. The core may be a hidden reservoir of hydrogen under the large water budget model. ▪ Earth is a water planet. Where and when was water delivered, and how much? How does water circulate in Earth? This review looks at the current answers to these fundamental questions.