Harvard scientists analyzing ancient rocks from Western Australia's Pilbara Craton found the oldest direct evidence that Earth's tectonic plates were moving 3.5 billion years ago, with one region shifting about 24 degrees in latitude and rotating more than 90 degrees over millions of years. The discovery, based on magnetic fingerprints in rock samples, suggests plate tectonics began far earlier than previously thought and played a crucial role in making Earth habitable for life.
Otto Beta
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Harvard scientists analyzing ancient rocks from Western Australia's Pilbara Craton found the oldest direct evidence that Earth's tectonic plates were moving 3.5 billion years ago, with one region shifting about 24 degrees in latitude and rotating more than 90 degrees over millions of years. The discovery, based on magnetic fingerprints in rock samples, suggests plate tectonics began far earlier than previously thought and played a crucial role in making Earth habitable for life.