New Study Challenges Long-Held Theories of Continent Formation

[Grim Reaper 6]

A recent study challenges traditional views on how Earth’s continents were formed, suggesting that subduction may not have been necessary. His findings propose that the melting of Earth’s crust could explain the formation of continents, casting doubt on when plate tectonics began and highlighting its impact on life’s origin..

https://scitechdaily.com/reimagining-earths-history-new-study-challenges-long-held-theories-of-continent-formation/.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01489-z

[Piney]

I'm not going for it. I'm still under the opinion plate tectonics started with the impact that created the moon.

@Doc Socks Junior Whadda ya say brother? 

[Grim Reaper 6]

37 minutes ago, Piney said:

I'm not going for it. I'm still under the opinion plate tectonics started with the impact that created the moon.

@Doc Socks Junior Whadda ya say brother? 

Currently in the scientific community there is no proven method only hypothesis’s on the subject. Now I am not saying this is a game changer, however in my opinion it will take time for the academic community to come to a conclusion. Until then I am going to keep an open mind on the subject. 

Edited August 7 by Grim Reaper 6

[Essan]

More research needed ......

And the answers, when we know for certain what happened, will affect at least ....... oh, maybe a dozen people?    


Edit:  actually, it does have some significance with regards the search for life on other planets.    Knowing how, when, and why, tectonics began on Earth will affect our expectations on what we may find on other planets.   

Edited August 7 by Essan

[Doc Socks Junior]

10 hours ago, Piney said:

I'm not going for it. I'm still under the opinion plate tectonics started with the impact that created the moon.

@Doc Socks Junior Whadda ya say brother? 

I think the moon impact is a little too early on and too catastrophic to have plate tectonics operating soon thereafter. In my opinion. Basically, one has reset the clock on surficial evolution. Still have to cool the surface back down, establish a proto-crust, before recognizable tectonics might operate.

That impact was what, still around 4.5 Ga?

I imagine that one had the same sort of tectonics one has on the surface of a lava lake, but the rocks haven't survived.

[Grim Reaper 6]

46 minutes ago, Doc Socks Junior said:

I think the moon impact is a little too early on and too catastrophic to have plate tectonics operating soon thereafter. In my opinion. Basically, one has reset the clock on surficial evolution. Still have to cool the surface back down, establish a proto-crust, before recognizable tectonics might operate.

That impact was what, still around 4.5 Ga?

I imagine that one had the same sort of tectonics one has on the surface of a lava lake, but the rocks haven't survived.

Thank you, you make some great points I appreciate your input!