Short Wave What Earth Looked Like 3.2 Billion Years Ago
Mar 16, 2021
In this enlightening conversation, planetary scientist Roger Fu from Harvard University delves into Earth's ancient past, revealing what it looked like 3.2 billion years ago. He shares fascinating insights on the early days of plate tectonics and how it shaped life's evolution. The discussion highlights the challenging quest for ancient rocks in Australia's Pilbara region, unlocking secrets of tectonic movement and its impact on early Earth's climate. Roger's passion shines through as he recounts the triumphs and challenges faced by researchers in this groundbreaking field.
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Australian Outback Terrain
- Roger Fu describes the Pilbara region's terrain as green rolling hills with spiky grasses.
- He humorously recounts wearing duct-taped shoes to protect his feet.
Rocks as Compasses
- Rocks hold magnetic particles that act like compasses, indicating their formation location.
- By analyzing these particles, scientists can determine the rock's original latitude.
Tectonic Thermostat
- Plate tectonics may explain how Earth maintained liquid water despite a fainter sun.
- This process regulates carbon levels, acting as a thermostat for the planet.