Earlier Than Expected: Fresh Water and Vital Life Conditions Emerged on Earth Half a Billion Years Sooner

New evidence suggests that fresh water and dry land may have existed on Earth as early as 4 billion years ago, according to a study published in Nature Geoscience. The presence of fresh water and land are essential for the development of life on a planet. The study analyzed ancient crystals from the Jack Hills in Western Australia and found that about 10% of the crystals were older than 4 billion years. By measuring the oxygen isotopic ratio in these crystals, researchers were able to determine that fresh water was present on Earth before 4 billion years ago. This discovery provides insight into the early conditions that may have led to the emergence of life on our planet.