Science
Geological study suggests Central and South America collided earlier than thought
ScienceDaily reports that volcanic rock analysis dates major continental collision events to before 10 million years ago.
The short version
- A study of volcanic rocks in central Colombia indicates Central and South America collided before about 10 million years ago, earlier than previously assumed.[ScienceDaily]
- Researchers analyzed the magnetic fabric of late Miocene rocks from the Combia Volcanic Province to reconstruct ancient tectonic activity.[ScienceDaily]
- Lead researchers Piedrahita and Li concluded that the primary collision occurred mainly during the Oligocene to middle Miocene.[ScienceDaily]
Key facts
- A study indicates that Central America and South America collided earlier than previously believed, before about 10 million years ago.[ScienceDaily]
- The research evaluated late Miocene volcanic rocks aged roughly 12 to 6 million years from Colombia's Combia Volcanic Province.[ScienceDaily]
- Investigators evaluated the orientation of magnetic minerals within the rocks through magnetic fabric analysis.[ScienceDaily]
- Many examined volcanic rocks preserved primary magnetic fabrics, indicating little or no significant tectonic deformation in the late Miocene.[ScienceDaily]
- Researchers Piedrahita and Li stated the most notable collision phases occurred predominantly between the Oligocene and middle Miocene.[ScienceDaily]
What remains uncertain
- The exact timeline of earlier collision phases rests on interpretations of preserved magnetic fabrics in regional volcanic rocks.[ScienceDaily]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Geologists reveal the Americas collided millions of years earlier than thoughtScienceDaily - Environment