New Study Confirms That The Oldest Rocks On Earth Are Canadians

Published: Friday, June 27, 2025 at 12:03 pm

**Canadian Rocks Confirmed as Earth's Oldest**

A recent study by Canadian and French researchers has definitively confirmed that rocks found in Northern Canada are the oldest known on Earth. The research, published in the journal *Science*, focuses on the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt, a rock formation believed to be over 4.3 billion years old, dating back to within 200 million years of the Earth's formation.

The study's findings build upon previous research, which had initially estimated the age of these rocks over two decades ago. However, the original estimates faced challenges due to tectonic deformation and chemical alteration, making it difficult to obtain pristine samples. Furthermore, uncertainties existed regarding the dating methods employed at the time.

The new research addressed these challenges by analyzing a new section of the greenstone belt using modern dating techniques. Researchers collected samples in 2017 and employed a combination of petrology and geochemistry, along with two radiometric dating methods using different isotopes. The results consistently indicated an age of 4.16 billion years for magmatic rocks, confirming that the surrounding volcanic rocks must be even older.

The study's findings are significant because they provide insights into the very early stages of Earth's formation. The research helps scientists understand how the first continents were formed and reconstruct the environment in which life could have potentially emerged. The study focused on magmatic rocks, which crystallized before reaching the surface, trapping radioactive elements that act as a natural timer for the rock's age.

BNN's Perspective:

This study is a fascinating reminder of the vast timescales involved in geological processes. While the research is highly technical, the implications are accessible: Canada is home to some of the oldest physical evidence of our planet's history. This discovery underscores the importance of continued scientific exploration and the value of international collaboration in advancing our understanding of the Earth's origins.

Keywords:

oldest rocks, Canada, Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt, Earth's formation, radiometric dating, magmatic rocks, volcanic rocks, scientific research, geology, ancient Earth, Nunavik, Quebec, Hadean, Science journal, Christian Sole, Jonathan O'Neil, University of Ottawa, Carleton University

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