Earth's water, a vital component of our planet, has a fascinating origin story. According to scientific consensus, the planet's water was not present at its formation but arrived later through various processes. The leading theory suggests that water-rich asteroids and comets, known as carbonaceous chondrites, delivered substantial amounts of water to Earth during its early stages. As these celestial bodies collided with the planet, they carried water molecules that were released upon impact. Over time, these impacts, along with processes such as volcanic outgassing and atmospheric condensation, gradually accumulated water on Earth's surface and within its crust, forming the vast oceans, lakes, and rivers that sustain life today.
