Growth of continental crust and lithosphere subduction in the Hadean revealed by geochemistry and geodynamics
Overview
Paper Summary
By analyzing melt inclusions in 3.27 billion-year-old rocks from South Africa and using sophisticated computer simulations of early Earth, researchers propose that a large amount of continental crust may have formed during the Hadean eon (>4 billion years ago). Their models suggest up to 80% of the present-day continental crust could have been extracted by the late Hadean. These findings suggest a much earlier and potentially more rapid continental growth than previously thought.
Explain Like I'm Five
Scientists studied really old rocks and simulated early Earth to figure out how continents formed. They think a lot of continents formed super early, like more than 4 billion years ago.
Possible Conflicts of Interest
None identified.
Identified Limitations
Rating Explanation
This study presents compelling geochemical and geodynamic evidence supporting early continental crust formation. The methodology is rigorous and addresses potential contamination issues in their samples, using innovative laser ablation techniques on melt inclusions. While model-dependent and geographically limited, the results are intriguing and open up interesting avenues for future research. The combination of geochemical data and geodynamic modelling makes a strong case.
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