Scientists May Have Found Earth's Oldest Rocks in Remote Canada

 

Scientists believe they have identified some of the oldest rocks on Earth in a remote part of northeastern Canada. The discovery comes from the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt, located on the eastern shore of Hudson Bay in Quebec. This region has long intrigued geologists for its ancient formations. Earlier studies estimated the rocks could be as old as 4.3 billion years, but these claims were debated due to concerns about contamination affecting dating methods.

In a new study published in the journal Science, researchers reanalyzed a distinct section of rock using two separate radioactive dating techniques. Both methods produced the same result, placing the rocks at about 4.16 billion years old. This new age bridges the gap between earlier conflicting estimates and strengthens the case that these could be among the oldest rocks on Earth.

The study was led by Jonathan O'Neil of the University of Ottawa. He explained that having consistent results from two methods helps confirm the accuracy of the dating. Since Earth formed roughly 4.5 billion years ago, this discovery offers a rare glimpse into the planet’s earliest history, a period mostly lost due to the recycling of rocks through tectonic activity.

Previously, the oldest known rocks were from the Acasta Gneiss Complex in the Northwest Territories, which date back around 4 billion years. The rocks from Nuvvuagittuq may be even older.

However, local concerns have arisen. The formation is located on Inukjuak tribal land, and the Inuit community has restricted sample collection after damage from previous research trips. Some rocks were found missing and even appeared for sale online. The community hopes to establish a provincial park to both protect the site and support scientific research in a respectful and sustainable manner.

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