Earth's Continents Were Created by Epic Meteor Impacts, Scientists Say

A group of scientists studying ancient rock formations in Australia claim that the continents were created by giant meteorite impacts.

There had been little evidence to support the idea that continents were created by large impacts.

"Our research provides the first solid evidence that the processes that formed the continents began with giant meteorite impacts, similar to those responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs, but which occurred billions of years earlier," said Johnson.

Crystalline History

The team was able to observe zircon crystals. The area is the best-preserved remnant of ancient crust and the crystals show the signs of formation after an impact.

The statement suggests that understanding the origin and formation of the continents could be important to a more eco-friendly future.

He said that the metals that are essential to the emerging green technologies needed to mitigate climate change are found on the continents.

The researchers are still finding residuals from the massive 2010 oil spill.