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Northern China rocks dated to 3.95 billion years reveal early crust clues
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According to Phys.org, some of the oldest rocks ever discovered, found in northern China and dating back 3.95 billion years, are shedding light on Earth's early history.
Rarity of the earliest rocks
Earth is estimated to be about 4.5 billion years old, yet rocks dating to the planet's earliest days are extremely rare.
That scarcity is part of why the discovery in northern China has generated so much interest among those following the story.
New clues about crust formation
Phys.org reports that the rocks, which date back 3.95 billion years, are revealing new clues about how Earth's crust formed and evolved.
This is one of the main reasons the find has attracted attention. The report is from a single outlet, and the available facts contain no further detail on the analysis or independent confirmation.
Open questions
- What specific findings about crust formation do the researchers draw from the rocks?
- Will independent studies confirm the reported age and interpretation?