4 international research teams study ancient Barberton rocks
Four international research teams are conducting geological studies in the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains to analyze ancient rock strata. The research aims to uncover details about Earth's early atmosphere, ocean chemistry, and the origins of life.
Why it matters
These findings provide essential insights into the history of the planet and the environmental conditions that allowed life to emerge billions of years ago.
Four international geological groups are working out of Barberton this winter. They are led by Prof Mathieu Lapôtre of Stanford University, Prof Desiree Roerdink of the University of Bergen, Prof Paul Mason of Utrecht University and Prof Christoph Heubeck of Jena University.
The Barberton Mountains hold sedimentary rock strata that escaped the usual ‘recycling’ through deformation, heating and remelting.
“A hundred years ago, geologists searched for gold and minerals,” said Heubeck. “Now we look for indicators of surface temperature, ocean chemistry and the conditions of the earliest life.”
Researchers investigate Earth’s early climate
American geologists discuss the deformation of rock strata near Shiyalongubo Road.> Photo: Supplied/L Webb
Lapôtre’s team is searching the Moodies Group for fossilised sand dunes, which could reveal the nature of Earth’s early atmosphere when life began.
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