According to scientists, continental shelves contain approximately 500,000 cubic kilometers of freshwater (offshore freshwater aquifers).
Where did this water come from?
The freshwater got trapped when sea levels were lower than today. Around 20,000 years ago, rising seas flooded the area and covered up the offshore freshwater aquifers with dirt and clay. Currently, they are located offshore Australia and China.
Could it help resolve the water supply crisis?
According to Vincent Post, this aquifer could provide fresh water for some areas for the next many years. The good news is that there is less energy needed to convert it into drinking water than to turn seawater into drinkable water. For instance, a survey in 2019 discovered another aquifer that could contain over 670 cubic miles of freshwater.
What are the risks of using this water?
Since the aquifer is not renewable, Post recommends using it wisely, since oil drilling, gas drilling, or carbon storage drilling could contaminate it. Planners face a dilemma, weighing using expensive offshore drilling to get this freshwater versus building desalination plants and dams,while managing drought and inland waters.
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