New findings contradict previous assumptions about the role of mobile plate tectonics in the development of life on Earth.
Scientists have taken a journey back in time to unlock the mysteries of Earth鈥檚 early history, using tiny mineral crystals called zircons to study plate tectonics billions of years ago. The research sheds light on the conditions that existed in early Earth, revealing a complex interplay between Earth鈥檚 crust, core, and the emergence of life.
Plate tectonics allows heat from Earth鈥檚 interior to escape to the surface, forming continents and other geological features necessary for life to emerge. Accordingly, 鈥渢here has been the assumption that plate tectonics is necessary for life,鈥� says , who teaches in the at Rochester. But new research casts doubt on that assumption.
Tarduno, the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor, is lead author of a paper published in 听examining plate tectonics from 3.9 billion years ago, when scientists believe the first traces of life appeared on Earth. The researchers found that mobile plate tectonics was not occurring during this time. Instead, they discovered, Earth was releasing heat through what is known as a stagnant lid regime. The results indicate that although plate tectonics is a key factor for sustaining life on Earth, it is not a requirement for life to originate on a terrestrial-like planet.
He says, 鈥淥ur data suggests that when we鈥檙e looking for exoplanets that harbor life, the planets do not necessarily need to have plate tectonics.鈥�
The work was an 鈥渦nexpected detour鈥� for the research team.听
