What is the name of Earth's first super continent?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

UP Police Constable Re-Exam 2024 Official Paper (Held On: 24th Aug 2024 Shift 1)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Vaalbara.

Confusion Points

According to World Atlas-
- Vaalbara is a hypothesized supercontinent that existed approximately 3.6 billion years ago during the Archean Eon.
- Columbia, also known as Nuna, existed approximately 1.8 billion years ago.
- Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, approximately 336 million years ago.

Key Points

Vaalbara is considered Earth's first supercontinent.
It is believed to have formed around 3.6 to 2.8 billion years ago during the Archean Eon.
The name "Vaalbara" is derived from the Kaapvaal Craton in South Africa and the Pilbara Craton in Western Australia, which are thought to be remnants of this ancient supercontinent.
Vaalbara predates other well-known supercontinents like Rodinia, Pannotia, and Pangea.
The concept of Vaalbara helps scientists understand the early geological and tectonic history of Earth.

Additional Information

The formation and breakup of supercontinents are part of the supercontinent cycle, which has influenced the geological and biological evolution of Earth.
Other supercontinents that followed Vaalbara include Ur, Kenorland, Columbia (Nuna), Rodinia, Pannotia, and Pangea.
The study of ancient supercontinents like Vaalbara provides insights into the processes of plate tectonics, crustal formation, and the conditions of early Earth.