Scientists have discovered the oldest impact crater on Earth, reshaping our understanding of the planet and the origins of life.
This ancient meteorite struck Earth around 3.5 billion years ago, far older than the previous known crater, which was 2.2 billion years old. This exciting discovery suggests that Earth may have experienced many significant impacts that have yet to be identified. Some of these craters could be where life first emerged.
The researchers identified the crater by studying “shatter cones,” unique structures formed by the immense pressure of a meteorite impact. Tim Johnson from Curtin University stated, “We know that large impacts were common in the early solar system, especially when we look at the Moon.” Until now, ancient craters were often overlooked by geologists due to their rarity.
This study opens up new possibilities. Chris Kirkland, another professor at Curtin University, highlighted that these findings could help us understand where early life thrived and where it continues to exist today. He noted, “Finding this impact site and others from the same era could provide insights into how life may have begun, as impact craters may have formed environments supportive of microbial life, like hot water pools.”
Moreover, the energy from these impacts could have influenced the formation of Earth’s crust. It might have pushed parts of the crust beneath one another or prompted magma to rise to the surface. This process may have contributed to the formation of cratons, which are stable landmasses that serve as the foundation for continents.
A study detailing these findings, titled ‘A Paleoarchaean impact crater in the Pilbara Craton, Western Australia,’ has been published in the journal Nature Communications. This research marks a significant step in understanding our planet’s impact history and its early development.
Check out this related article: Unveiling Australia’s Ancient Past: A Billion-Year-Old Impact Crater Discovery in the Outback
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