World’s oldest glaciers are around 2.9 billion years old, according to new research. It might be nearly impossible to accurately predict what our earth would look like billions of years ago, but the new study could fill some of the gaps regarding the geology. Evidence presented in the study suggested that the oldest glaciers used to be in South Africa, when our earth was like a snowball.
Debris Samples Matched Ancient Glaciers
Scientists were able to collect samples from one of the oldest rock bodies in Kaapvaal Craton and ran unique techniques for investigation. Scientists used a method known as triple oxygen isotope analysis which involves measuring three distinct oxygen isotopes within the sediment. The results revealed a resemblance between the levels of specific isotopes in the samples and those typically found in icy climates.
Discovery Was A Huge Milestone
The discovery was hailed as a huge milestone in understanding the earth’s ancient climatic conditions by the researchers. Andrey Bekker, who is an associate professor of geology, said the progress was encouraging but it’ll take more research to truly understand earth’s climate billions of years ago.
