Challenging Previous Theory: Mantle Heat Rejuvenated Earth’s Crust 3 Billion Years Ago

Information from igneous zircon molecules gives researchers new insight into the workings of the inner Earth.

Little is known about the nature and evolution of Earth’s continental crust before a few billion years ago because cratons, or stable swaths of the lithosphere more than 2–3 billion years old, are relatively rare.

Zircon’s Role in Geological History