Is the Mystery of Earth's 1.2 Billion Missing Years Solved? | SciShow News

The video explores the Great Unconformity, a geological mystery where over a billion years of Earth's history is missing. Researchers propose that massive glaciers during the Snowball Earth period eroded the Earth's surface, removing significant geological records. By studying zircon crystals, they suggest that this material was subducted into the Earth's mantle. The findings also hint at a connection between this erosion and the Cambrian explosion of life. However, questions remain about the timing and processes involved, requiring further research.

What is the Great Unconformity and why is it significant in geology?

What are the two main possibilities that scientists consider regarding the missing geologic record?

Describe the evidence that supports the erosion hypothesis related to the Great Unconformity.

What role do zircon crystals play in understanding the geological history of the Earth?

Explain the hypothesis of Snowball Earth and its implications for Earth's history.

What challenges do researchers face in confirming the erosion hypothesis?

How might the findings related to the Great Unconformity explain the Cambrian explosion?