ROCKS retain a “memory” going back millions of years, says Ethan Baxter of
the University of California at Berkeley. Heat and pressure slowly metamorphose
deeply buried rocks, changing their crystalline structure and chemistry. Now
analysis of rocks from the Swiss Alps shows the reaction rates are up to 10 000
times slower than was thought from lab tests (Science, vol 288, p
1411). This will allow us to discover more about conditions millions of years
ago, Baxter says.
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Where, when and how to watch the 2026 solar eclipse
2
If you aren't terrified by this heatwave, you should be
3
Europe鈥檚 heatwave is the hottest and most humid ever
4
Ancient human DNA found on cave art for the first time
5
Can home batteries help save the climate and save you money?
6
Our verdict on The Selfish Gene: An unpopular piece of popular science
7
We鈥檝e uncovered a master gene that switches on human development
8
Most portable air conditioners suck 鈥 but there's an easy fix
9
The surprising ways your brain changes from your 20s to your 40s
10
Lost books by ancient philosophers recovered from 'unreadable' scrolls
