A rock formation in Canada may contain the oldest known rocks on Earth, according to new research.
The Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt, located along the eastern shore of Hudson Bay in Quebec, has drawn scientific attention for years due to its ancient, gray, streaked stones. However, experts have long debated their true age.
Earlier studies from nearly 20 years ago estimated the rocks to be about 4.3 billion years old, placing them close to the planet's formation. But other scientists challenged those claims, suggesting the rocks were contaminated and were actually closer to 3.8 billion years old.
In the latest research, scientists analyzed a different section of the formation using two independent dating methods, both based on tracking how radioactive elements decay over time. Both approaches produced the same result: the rocks are approximately 4.16 billion years old.
“It’s remarkable that both dating methods aligned perfectly,” said Jonathan O'Neil of the University of Ottawa, who led the study.
The findings were published Thursday in the journal Science.
Earth itself formed around 4.5 billion years ago, shortly after the birth of the solar system, from collapsing clouds of dust and gas. Ancient rocks from that period are extremely rare because tectonic activity tends to recycle the Earth’s crust over time. Some of the oldest known rocks, aged about 4 billion years, were discovered in Canada’s Acasta Gneiss Complex — but the Nuvvuagittuq rocks may predate them.
Scientists believe that understanding these primordial rocks can offer insights into the planet’s early environment, the transition from molten magma to solid crust, and possibly the origins of life.
“Having physical evidence of what was happening on Earth that long ago is incredibly valuable,” said Mark Reagan, a University of Iowa expert on volcanic rocks, who was not part of the new study.
The rock formation lies on Inukjuak tribal lands, and the local Inuit community has temporarily stopped researchers from collecting new samples due to previous damage.
After some geological teams visited the area, significant portions of rock were removed, and pieces later appeared for sale online, explained Tommy Palliser of the Pituvik Landholding Corporation, which oversees the land.
The Inuit community hopes to collaborate with scientists to create a protected provincial park that would safeguard the site while allowing controlled research.
“We understand the scientific interest in these rocks,” said Palliser. “But we want to make sure the site is preserved and no further harm is done.”
Source: AP
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
