The Evolution of Earth: From Fiery Beginnings to a Habitable World
part -2
One such landmass, known as Ur, formed around 3 billion years ago. Ur eventually merged with another landmass, forming a larger continent. This process of merging and breaking apart continued, driven by the Earth’s internal forces and external conditions.
Around 1.8 billion years ago, the supercontinent Columbia (also known as Nuna or Hudsonland) formed. This supercontinent eventually broke apart, leading to the formation of new continents. Scientists J.J.W. Rogers and M. Santosh proposed the idea of these supercontinents, highlighting the dynamic nature of Earth’s geological history.
The breakup of supercontinents continued, with the most recent supercontinent, Pangaea, forming around 300 million years ago. Pangaea began to break apart around 175 million years ago, leading to the continents we recognize today.
Conclusion
The journey of Earth from a fiery, inhospitable gas giant to the vibrant, life-supporting planet we know today is a testament to the incredible forces of nature. The dynamic processes of plate tectonics, volcanic activity, and atmospheric changes have shaped our world over billions of years. Understanding this history not only deepens our appreciation for the planet but also highlights the delicate balance that sustains life on Earth.