Scientists Discover Possibly the Oldest Rocks on Earth
New research suggests that the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt in Canada may hold some of the oldest rocks on Earth. Located along the eastern shore of Hudson Bay in Quebec, this rock formation has been a topic of debate among scientists regarding its age.
Previous studies proposed that these rocks could be about 4.3 billion years old, suggesting they formed in one of the earliest periods of Earth’s history. However, other researchers have raised concerns about the age determination, citing contamination as a reason to believe the rocks are actually around 3.8 billion years old.
In a recent study, scientists took samples from a different part of the rock formation and used two distinct dating methods to estimate the age. They found that these rocks are approximately 4.16 billion years old. Jonathan O’Neil, a study author from the University of Ottawa, noted that both methods produced consistent results, reinforcing their findings.
Earth formed around 4.5 billion years ago from a cloud of dust and gas, but most of the original rocks have been altered or recycled due to tectonic activity. While scientists have previously uncovered rocks from another Canadian formation, the Acasta Gneiss Complex, that are around 4 billion years old, the Nuvvuagittuq rocks may be even older.
Studying these ancient rocks can provide valuable insights into how Earth evolved, including its early volcanic activity and the beginnings of life. “Having a piece of Earth’s history like this is incredibly important,” commented Mark Reagan from the University of Iowa, who specializes in volcanic rocks but was not part of the recent study.
The Nuvvuagittuq formation lies on the lands of the Inukjuak tribe, and the local Inuit community has placed limitations on scientists collecting samples. After some researchers visited the site, noticeable damage occurred, such as missing rock pieces, leading the community to initiate restrictions. Tommy Palliser, who manages the land, expressed the community’s desire to collaborate with scientists to create a provincial park that would preserve the area while allowing continued research.
“There is significant interest in these rocks, which we understand,” said Palliser. “However, we want to prevent any further damage to our land.”
This discovery signals the importance of protecting our natural resources while embracing scientific inquiry, striking a balance that respects both heritage and knowledge.
