Earth’s Continental Stability Forged by Extreme Heat, New Research Shows
Continental crust required furnace-like temperatures above 900°C to achieve long-term stability, according to new research. This thermal forging process redistributed heat-producing elements and created conditions for modern landforms.
For billions of years, Earth has maintained remarkably stable continental foundations that have supported mountain ranges, diverse ecosystems, and human civilizations. The mechanisms behind this enduring stability have puzzled geologists for over a century, but new research from Penn State and Columbia University provides compelling evidence that extreme heat played the decisive role in creating our planet’s lasting landmasses.