Ancient Subterranean Pool Found in Sicilian Mountains

Geoscientists have discovered a deep underground pool of fresh water beneath the Sicilian mountains, estimated to be around six million years old. The researchers used publicly available data from oil exploration efforts to study the groundwater in the Gela formation. They found evidence of an aquifer holding approximately 17.5 cubic kilometers of water, which they believe was trapped during the Messinian salinity crisis. The rainwater that accumulated underground was likely soaked up by carbonate rock, and the researchers identified the Malta Escarpment as a probable conduit for the ancient rainwater.