In a significant geological discovery, researchers believe they have pinpointed some of the oldest rocks on the planet, uncovering ancient sections from the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt in Canada. These rocks have long been of interest to scientists due to their antiquity, with the formation located along the eastern shores of Hudson Bay in Quebec. However, debates about the precise age of these stones have persisted among geologists.
Two decades ago, early studies suggested these rocks might date back 4.3 billion years, placing them close to the initial phases of Earth’s formation. Contrarily, alternative dating techniques posited that contamination over time might have affected these estimates, proposing a slightly younger age of around 3.8 billion years.
In recent advancements, scientists re-evaluated the rocks, employing the original two dating methods. By analyzing how radioactive elements decay into others over millennia, the researchers determined the rocks to be approximately 4.16 billion years old.
Jonathan O’Neil, from the University of Ottawa and a contributor to the study, noted the consistency of results across different methodologies. This new research has been documented in the journal Science. Notably, the Earth took form around 4.5 billion years ago, coalescing from a collapsing dust and gas cloud shortly after the solar system’s inception. As a result of tectonic activity, primordial rocks are a rare occurrence on today’s surface. Previously, 4 billion-year-old rocks from Canada’s Acasta Gneiss Complex were thought to be some of the oldest, but the Nuvvuagittuq Belt might challenge that assumption.
Studying such ancient rocks offers scientists a potential window into Earth’s nascent stages—how the planet transitioned from molten rock oceans to established tectonic patterns, and possibly even insights into the origins of life.
Mark Reagan from the University of Iowa, who specializes in volcanic formations but was not involved in the research, emphasized the significance of having direct samples from Earth’s distant past.
The Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt resides on the Inukjuak lands, and due to past damages during research, the Inuit community has temporarily halted sample collections. Community leader Tommy Palliser mentioned that previous visits resulted in substantial rock damage and pieces were even found being sold online. While they recognize the scientific interest, there’s a community-wide desire to collaborate on establishing a provincial park. This initiative aims to preserve the area while supporting scientific endeavors.
Palliser, a representative of the local populace, stated, “While we acknowledge the global interest in these rocks, we are committed to preventing further harm.”