South African Gold Fields Guard World's Oldest Glacier Dating 2.9 Billion Years Old

The world's oldest known glacial traces have been found in South Africa's gold fields.

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These 2.9 billion-year-old remnants could redefine Earth's early geography and climate.

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Analysis of oxygen isotopes in these rocks supports the presence of glaciers 2.9 billion years ago.

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High levels of 17O and low 18O concentrations confirm these rocks formed in icy conditions.

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One theory suggests this region was near Earth's poles, explaining the glacial deposits.

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Another theory proposes an early "snowball Earth" period due to a 'reverse greenhouse effect'.

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Professor Hofmann hypothesizes that a shift from 'snowball' to 'greenhouse' conditions might have led to the formation of vast gold deposits.

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Dr. Bekker notes that the extent of this ancient cold climate is unclear and debates whether it was global or localized.

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