Ancient water up to 2.6 billion years old has been found

A Canadian research team has made a unique discovery, finding water estimated to be 1.5 to 2.6 billion years old.

To find the water, the team, led by geologist Barbara Sherwood Lollar, drilled a well 3 kilometers deep.

The scientists expected to find a small amount of water trapped between the rocks, but instead the water began to gush forth in a large fountain.

According to Sherwood Lollar, the water turned out to be very salty and bitter, much saltier than sea water.

The high salt content of the water was a confirmation of its ancient origin.

Generally, salty water is older because minerals dissolve in it over time. This makes the water more salty as it matures underground.

In addition, microorganisms have been found in the water. The sulfate levels confirmed that these bacteria have existed in the water for billions of years.