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New Analyses of Diverse Hadean Zircon Inclusions from Jack Hills, Western AustraliaThe geological record is the only direct source of information regarding physical/chemical processes that may have ultimately been responsible for the origin of life. Known terrestrial rocks have ages that span from present day to approx. 4.0 Ga. This leaves a time gap of more than 500 Myr between lunar formation, and preservation of the oldest terrestrial crust. What were planetary conditions like wherein the prebiotic chemistry leading to life took place? The recent discovery of up to 4.37 Ga detrital zircons from Western Australia represents the only tangible record of the time period termed the Hadean Eon (4.5-4.0 Ga). Knowledge of the paragenesis of the oldest zircons potentially contributes information regarding the origin of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, continental lithosphere and the potential for life on the Hadean Earth.
Document ID
20040062314
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Trail, D.
(Arkansas-Oklahoma Center for Space and Planetary Sciences Stillwater, OK, United States)
Catlos, E. J.
(Arkansas-Oklahoma Center for Space and Planetary Sciences Stillwater, OK, United States)
Harrison, T. M.
(Australian National Univ. Canberra, Australia)
Mojzsis, S. J.
(Colorado Univ. Boulder, CO, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Terrestrial Planets
Subject Category
Exobiology
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-13497
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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