Ancient lavas reveal Earth was recycling its surface 3.6 billion years ago
Researchers analyzing ancient volcanic rocks called komatiites have found evidence that Earth's surface recycling process, or subduction, began 3.6 billion years ago. This discovery challenges previous geological timelines regarding the planet's early interior activity.
Why it matters
Understanding when plate tectonics began is crucial for determining how Earth evolved and became habitable for life.
On the early Earth, the surface and the deep interior are usually pictured as separate worlds. Subduction – the process that drags ocean floor into the planet – is thought to have switched on late.
The article is a purely scientific report on geological research findings.
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