Leading geologist Sherwood Lollar and her team discovered the Earth’s oldest water deep within a mine. Initially searching for tiny pockets of trapped water, they instead unearthed a significant reservoir. Upon tasting the ancient water, Lollar found its flavor unsurprisingly plain.
Geologist reveals unsurprising flavor of oldest water on Earth after drinking it from mine

Key Takeaways:
- Geologist Sherwood Lollar led a mine investigation.
- The team expected to find tiny pockets of trapped water.
- They discovered the Earth’s oldest water instead.
- Sherwood Lollar drank the ancient water.
- The flavor of the water was unsurprisingly plain.
From Tiny Pockets to Ancient Reservoirs
Leading geologist Sherwood Lollar and her team embarked on an ambitious investigation deep within a mine. Their goal was straightforward: to discover tiny pockets of water that had been trapped within the Earth’s crust over millennia. These minuscule reservoirs promised insights into the planet’s geological history.
An Unexpected Discovery
As they delved deeper into the mine’s labyrinthine passages, Lollar’s team stumbled upon something far more significant than they had anticipated. Instead of the expected droplets, they uncovered the Earth’s oldest water—a substantial reservoir that had remained untouched for an inconceivable span of time.
Tasting History
In a moment that blurred the lines between scientific inquiry and personal curiosity, Sherwood Lollar sampled the ancient water. The experience was historic, yet the flavor, she reported, was unsurprisingly plain. This lack of distinctive taste underscored the purity and isolation of the water throughout the ages.
The Significance Behind the Sip
While the taste did not astonish, the implications of the discovery are profound. Access to such ancient water can offer unparalleled insights into early Earth conditions, microbial life, and geological processes. It represents a tangible link to the planet’s distant past.
Reflecting on the Journey
The journey from expecting mere droplets to uncovering a vast reservoir highlights the unpredictable nature of exploratory science. Lollar’s experience serves as a reminder of the surprises that lie beneath the Earth’s surface and the wealth of knowledge waiting to be discovered—even if it tastes just like ordinary water.