Study shows when Earth began shifting
As far as we know, Earth is the only planet in the Solar System with plate tectonics, but this is the first study to show when they began. The movement of plate tectonics can cause mountain ranges, earthquakes and tsunamis. Image: wjarosz/iStockphoto We're familiar with the theory that the Earth's crust is composed of tectonic plates that move, sometimes dramatically to create earthquakes and tsunamis - but until recently, nobody knew how long this movement has been going on.An international team of researchers, including Dr Anthony Kemp from The University of Western Australia, believes they have found out and their work is published in Nature.Dr Kemp, an Australian Research Council Future Fellow in UWA's School of Earth and Environment, said as far as we know, Earth is the only planet in the Solar System with active plate tectonics."The purpose of this study was to examine the earliest rock record to find out...