ABC Science article “Confirmed: Earth’s oldest rock in Australia”

ABC Science article “Confirmed: Earth’s oldest rock in Australia”
Publication Date: February, 2014
Type of Resource: Weblink

This online resource is about the formation of the Earth's crust.

The resource is an ABC Science report that relates to the age of the EarthScientists have discovered that rock crystals found in Western Australia are the oldest rocks ever found on Earth; zircon crystals have been positively dated at 4.374 billion years.

The research reported in the journal Nature Geoscience, means that Earth began forming a crust far sooner than previously thought, following the giant impact event which created the Earth–Moon system 4.5 billion years ago.

This report relates to the structure of the Earth and formation of its crust. This is also a good article to have students reflect on how scientist's knowledge changes and evolves over time as information is discovered and technology allows us new insights.

Australian Curriculum v9 Codes: AC9S10U03 (Year 10)

Additional Information

15–30 minute discussion depending on class.

Australian Curriculum:
  • Year 10 > Science Understanding > Earth and Space Sciences > The universe contains features including galaxies, stars and solar systems and... > ACSSU188