Scientists have long been puzzled by the formation of the Earth’s continents, and a new study from the University of British Columbia sheds light on this ancient mystery. The study reveals that the first continents were likely formed through the magmatism of Earth’s current crust’s precursor, specifically three rocks known as tonalite, trondhjemite, and granodiorite (TTGs).
This finding challenges the previous notion that meteorites or subduction zones were necessary for the formation of these rocks and, consequently, the continents. The research, published in the journal Nature Communications, provides valuable insights into the geological processes that shaped the early Earth.
The Archean Eon, a period of intense magmatic activity that lasted from 4 to 2.5 billion years ago, played a crucial role in the formation of the Earth’s first continents. While the timing of this event has been relatively well-established, the exact mechanisms behind it have remained elusive.
The study’s lead author, Matthijs Smit, explained that the team tracked specific trace elements to uncover the origins of the TTG rocks. By analyzing these elements, which remain unaffected by alteration, the researchers were able to trace the compositions of the magmas back to their initial state and source.
These findings offer a new perspective on the formation of the Earth’s continents and provide valuable insights into the planet’s early geological history. The study’s revelations could reshape our understanding of the processes that shaped the Earth billions of years ago.
