A study published in the journal Science Advances provides additional information about an important period
The gradual cooling and crystallization of the magma ocean determined the chemical composition of the Earth's interior - this was a defining stage in the formation of the structure of our planet and the early atmosphere.
Scientists already knew that the impacts on the planet duringthe formation of the Earth and the Moon would generate enough energy to melt the bowels of our planet. But we know little about the fiery phase of the Earth's history, because tectonic processes have processed almost all rocks older than 4 billion years.
Researchers have now discovered chemical remains of the magma ocean in the rocks of southwestern Greenland, which are 3.6 billion years old.
The Arctic Ocean was covered with ice and filled with fresh water 150 thousand years ago
These data support the theory that the Earthwas once almost completely molten, after which the planet began to solidify and evolve, which regulates its internal structure to this day. Research suggests that other rocks on the Earth's surface may also preserve evidence of ancient magma oceans.
“We have few opportunities to obtain geologicaldata on the events of the first billion years of Earth's history. It's amazing that we can even hold these rocks in our hands, let alone get so many details about the early history of our planet, ”said study participant Helen Williams of the Cambridge Department of Earth Sciences.
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