Scientists have discovered ancient rocks in northern Quebec that are over 4 billion years old, making them the oldest-known rocks on Earth. The Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt (NGB) rock formation was first proposed as being 4.3 billion years old by geologist Jonathan O’Neil in 2008, but other studies and dating methods have put its age at between 3.3 and 3.8 million years old.
O’Neil’s new study focuses on intrusion rocks from the NGB, which formed when molten magma cut through existing layers of rock and hardened. Two separate dating methods confirm that these rocks are indeed 4.16 billion years old. This discovery sheds light on the Earth’s earliest time, specifically during the Hadean eon, a period of intense volcanic activity with surface temperatures of around 230°C.
The finding suggests that conditions for life could have started earlier than previously thought. The NGB rocks offer a unique window into the planet’s earliest crust formation and can provide insights into the composition of ancient oceans and the environment where life began on Earth.
Given the rarity of such finds, the discovery has sparked interest among scientists, but also concerns from local communities. All further rock sampling in the area has been paused due to preservation worries. To balance research with protection, authorities are exploring non-invasive techniques for studying the rocks.
Source: https://explorersweb.com/worlds-oldest-rocks-discovered-in-northern-canada