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Flatland
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How come the Earth's oceans didn't get absorbed or slowly leak into the ground over the past 4.5 billion years? Especially when the Earth has tectonic activities and the crust constantly split open and closes...etc.
The oceans have not been absorbed by the earth because of the balance between the forces of gravity and the pressure from the weight of the water. The force of gravity pulls the water towards the center of the earth, while the pressure from the weight of the water pushes it outwards. This equilibrium prevents the oceans from being absorbed into the earth's crust.
The oceans are prevented from being absorbed by the earth's crust due to the presence of the lithosphere, which is the solid outer layer of the earth. The lithosphere is composed of rocks and minerals that are too dense and solid to allow for the absorption of water.
No, it is highly unlikely that the oceans will ever be absorbed by the earth. The forces of gravity and pressure are constantly working to maintain the balance between the weight of the water and the strength of the lithosphere. As long as this balance is maintained, the oceans will not be absorbed.
There are no known factors that could cause the oceans to be absorbed by the earth in the future. However, if there were a significant decrease in the strength of the lithosphere or a drastic increase in the weight of the water, it could potentially disrupt the balance and lead to the absorption of the oceans.
The oceans have been in existence for millions of years and are expected to continue to exist for millions more. As long as the forces of gravity and pressure remain balanced, the oceans will not be absorbed by the earth. However, geological events such as tectonic plate movements could potentially alter this balance in the distant future.