Cosmic rays turned ancient sand into a geological time machine

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 Cosmic rays turned ancient sand into a geological time machine


Scientists at Curtin University have uncovered a new way to read the deep history of Earth’s landscapes using microscopic zircon crystals from ancient beach sands. These incredibly durable minerals trap traces of krypton gas created when cosmic rays strike them at Earth’s surface, effectively turning each crystal into a “cosmic clock.” By measuring that krypton, researchers can determine how long sediments lingered near the surface before burial, revealing how landscapes eroded, shifted, and stabilized over millions of years.
Cosmic rays trapped in tiny zircon crystals are giving scientists a new “clock” to uncover how ancient landscapes formed and where valuable minerals may hide. Credit: Shutterstock

Curtin University scientists have developed a new technique to explore the deep history of Australia's landscapes. The approach could help researchers understand how the environment responds to geological activity and climate shifts, while also offering clues about where valuable mineral deposits may be located.

The international research team was led by Curtin's Timescales of Mineral Systems Group at the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, working with collaborators from the University of Göttingen and the University of Cologne. The scientists examined microscopic zircon crystals collected from ancient beach sands.

International Research Awards

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