Earth Science

Harvard geoscientists have found the oldest direct evidence of plate tectonics on Earth, dating back 3.5 billion years. Analysis of ancient rocks from western Australia reveals early crustal drift and rotation. The discovery, published in Science, challenges notions of a rigid early planetary surface.

16 Mwezi wa tatu, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

Researchers from the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris and GFZ Helmholtz Centre have created a Jerk detection method that identifies subtle ground movements from magma intrusions using a single broadband seismometer. Tested over a decade at Piton de la Fournaise on La Réunion, the system forecasted 92% of 24 eruptions between 2014 and 2023, providing warnings from minutes to eight hours ahead. About 14% of alerts detected magma movements without resulting eruptions.

Scientists have discovered how a promising niobium deposit formed deep beneath central Australia more than 800 million years ago. The findings link the metal's origins to the ancient supercontinent Rodinia's breakup. Niobium plays a key role in strengthening steel and advancing clean energy technologies.

19 Mwezi wa kwanza, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

Modelling of Earth's ancient carbon cycle reveals that volcanic arcs only became a dominant source of greenhouse gas emissions towards the end of the dinosaur era. This shift occurred around 100 million years ago, driven by the emergence of certain ocean plankton 150 million years prior. Previously, most carbon was released through rifting processes rather than volcanic activity.