I recently joined geologist Björn Hardarson on a tour through the Far North West of Scotland, home of the Europe’s oldest rocks—the Lewisian Gneiss, over 3 billion years old.
To put that in perspective, these rocks were forming long before the first multicellular organisms appeared. It’s staggering to think about, but as Björn explained, these ancient formations are a vital clue to how the Earth cooled and solidified in its infancy.
Link video https://www.youtube.com/shorts/e3Dshh7he2c
Björn’s passion brought the landscape to life. As we walked across the rugged terrain, he explained how these rocks formed during Earth’s early days, surviving volcanic activity, tectonic shifts, and glaciers. It was awe-inspiring to stand among formations that predate the first life on Earth.
By the end of the tour, I had gained a newfound appreciation for the Earth beneath my feet. I realized that geology is not just about understanding rocks—it’s about understanding the grand processes that have shaped the world we live in. It’s about time on a scale so vast that it stretches the imagination and connects us to the origins of life itself.
I left the North West of Scotland with a sense of awe—not just for the landscapes but for the Earth’s incredible history. And for the first time, I truly understood how geology helps us uncover the mysteries of our planet’s past, and ultimately, the story of life.
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🙏 This was only made possible thanks to public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, Agostino Bran, Nicla Bravin, Silvana Vassili, Massimo De Mattia, luigina Perosa, Izabela Puszczykowska, Brenda Neece, CelloMuseum.org
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