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Cosmic Rays Reveal 40 Million Years of Erosion Insights

1/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A new study shows cosmic rays can serve as a 'cosmic clock' to study southern Australia's landscape evolution over millions of years.
Researchers analyzed zircon crystals and found slow erosion around 40 million years ago in southern Australia, comparable to Antarctica.
The technique links erosion history to major events, such as the rise of land plants, and highlights the Nullarbor Plain's zircon wealth for ceramics.

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Story summary

A new study shows cosmic rays can serve as a 'cosmic clock' to study southern Australia's landscape evolution over millions of years.
Researchers analyzed zircon crystals and found slow erosion around 40 million years ago in southern Australia, comparable to Antarctica.
The technique links erosion history to major events, such as the rise of land plants, and highlights the Nullarbor Plain's zircon wealth for ceramics.