Ancient rocks suggest water has shaped earth for 3.1 billion years

Scientists have discovered some of Earth's oldest volcanic rocks in Western Australia that hint at the presence of water shaping the planet for at least 3.1 billion years. These findings suggest that liquid water was abundant on Earth's surface much earlier than previously thought, which has significant implications for understanding the planet's early climate and the potential for life beyond Earth. This discovery reshapes our understanding of how Earth's environment has evolved over billions of years, offering clues to the conditions that might support life elsewhere in the universe.