All articles tagged with #earths oldest rocks
Scientists have found evidence suggesting that rocks in Canada's Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt could be over 4.3 billion years old, potentially making them the oldest known rocks on Earth and offering insights into Earth's early crust and conditions, though the dating results are still debated among geologists.
In 2025, scientific discoveries revealed Earth's ancient crust in Quebec, explained phenomena like will-o'-the-wisps through microlightning, tracked the movement of magnetic north, discovered a deep-sea methane-based ecosystem, and observed changes in Earth's core, deepening our understanding of the planet's history and inner workings.
Scientists have confirmed the discovery of the oldest rocks on Earth in northern Quebec, dating back approximately 4.16 billion years, providing valuable insights into Earth's early crust and the planet's formation during the Hadean eon.
Scientists have identified what may be Earth's oldest rocks, dating back 4.16 billion years in the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt, providing insights into the planet's early history and the Hadean Eon, though some debate remains about the dating accuracy.
Geochemical evidence obtained from Earth's oldest-known rocks, found in northern Canada, challenges previous theories about the early history of plate tectonics. The study reveals that there is no evidence of surface material recycling in the rocks dating back to 4 billion years ago, suggesting that subduction and plate tectonics may not have operated as they do today. However, a distinct shift in silicon and oxygen isotopes at 3.8 billion years ago indicates a possible change in Earth's geodynamics, potentially marking the onset of plate subduction. The findings shed new light on the early tectonic processes that shaped our planet.
New geochemical evidence from Earth's oldest-known rocks in Canada challenges previous models suggesting plate tectonics operated from the planet's early days. The study found no evidence of surface material recycling at 4.0 billion years ago, indicating subduction and plate recycling may not have been present at that time. However, a distinct shift in silicon and oxygen isotopes at 3.8 billion years ago suggests a possible change in Earth's geodynamics, potentially marking the onset of plate subduction. The findings shed light on the early history of tectonic activity on Earth.