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New Dating Method Reveals Earth's 1.4 Billion-Year-Old Secrets

3/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Utah State University researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking method to date ancient oxidation reactions in rocks using rusted iron minerals like martite. This innovative technique sheds light on when rocks were near Earth's surface, revealing that the Great Unconformity formed 1.4 billion years ago—earlier than previously believed—offering new insights into our planet's geological history.

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Story summary

Utah State University researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking method to date ancient oxidation reactions in rocks using rusted iron minerals like martite. This innovative technique sheds light on when rocks were near Earth's surface, revealing that the Great Unconformity formed 1.4 billion years ago—earlier than previously believed—offering new insights into our planet's geological history.