waterworlds

A waterworld is a hypothetical type of planet that is almost entirely covered by a deep ocean. Such planets are a popular concept in science fiction and are also considered a possibility in astronomical research. The defining characteristic of a waterworld is the absence of significant landmasses; if any continents exist, they are small and submerged. The depth of the global ocean could vary greatly, ranging from a relatively shallow layer to hundreds or even thousands of kilometers deep.

The composition of a waterworld's ocean would likely be water, but it could also contain other liquids depending on the planet's temperature and atmospheric pressure. If the ocean is deep enough, the immense pressure at the bottom could lead to the formation of exotic forms of ice, such as ice-VII, even at temperatures significantly above the freezing point of water at surface pressure. The atmosphere of a waterworld would likely be rich in water vapor, potentially creating a thick, greenhouse-effect-driven atmosphere that keeps the planet warm. The existence of life on a waterworld is a subject of much speculation. If life were to arise, it would be entirely aquatic, potentially evolving into diverse and complex forms within the vast ocean. The search for exoplanets continues to reveal a variety of planetary types, and while no definitive waterworlds have been confirmed, the possibility remains an active area of scientific interest.