Huge Fresh Water Reservoir Discovered Off Coast Of New England: Live Science

An enormous freshwater reservoir large enough to supply New York City was discovered off the East Coast, according to a piece by Live Science.

See also: University Of Rhode Island's Research Vessel To Be Retired

"Preliminary analyses suggest the reservoir, which sits beneath the seafloor and appears to stretch from offshore New Jersey as far north as Maine, was locked in place under frigid conditions around 20,000 years ago, hinting that it formed in the last glacial period due, partly, to thick ice sheets," the Live Science story saidLive Science story said.

See also: URI-Led Research Project Calls On Public To Report Bobcat Sightings

The discovery was made over the summer by scientists following up on reports from more than 50 years ago of fresh water under the sea, according to the article.

See also: North Tiverton Fire District Water Plan Update Seeks Public Input

"The research voyage, known as Expedition 501, lasted three months and dredged up 13,200 gallons (50,000 liters) of water from beneath the seafloor in three locations off the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard," Live Science said. "The results aren't finalized yet, but so far it looks as if the reservoir might stretch farther underground than early reports suggested, meaning it might be even bigger than previously thought."

See also: Rhode Island Speaker Shekarchi Honored Globally for Water Quality Leadership

Read the full Live Science story here.

See also: Rhode Islanders Have New Hotline To Report Beached Sharks