New Evidence Suggests Earth's Plate Tectonics Began 3.5 Billion Years Ago

Recent research has uncovered the earliest direct evidence of plate tectonics on Earth, indicating that this geological process may have started around 3.5 billion years ago during the Archaean Eon. This discovery is significant as it helps explain the formation of mountains and oceans and the conditions that supported early microbial life. The study, led by Harvard's Roger Fu, analyzed rock samples from the Pilbara Craton in Western Australia, revealing that tectonic plates were already in motion at that time. The findings challenge previous beliefs about the timeline of plate tectonics, suggesting a more complex history than previously thought.

Key Details: • Research indicates plate tectonics began approximately 3.5 billion years ago. • Study published in the journal Science on March 19. • Analysis involved 900 rock samples from the Pilbara region in Australia. • Findings may reshape understanding of early Earth conditions for life.