Why it is difficult for scientists to locate the oldest rocks on Earth?

Question

Rocks are broken down into smaller pieces over time.
Rocks are broken down into smaller pieces over time.

Rocks are constantly eroded by weather.
Rocks are constantly eroded by weather.

The oldest rocks can only be found at the Earth's inner core.
The oldest rocks can only be found at the Earth's inner core.

Lava flow from volcanoes buries the old rocks.

Answer 1

The difficulty for scientists in locating the oldest rocks on Earth primarily stems from two factors:

1. Rocks are constantly eroded by weather. Over geological time, surface rocks are subjected to weathering and erosion, which can break them down and transport them away, making it challenging to find ancient rock formations.

2. Lava flow from volcanoes buries the old rocks. Volcanic activity can cover and bury older rocks under layers of lava, which can obscured their visibility and accessibility.

The statement regarding the oldest rocks being found at the Earth's inner core is also not accurate, as the inner core is composed of solid iron-nickel alloy and does not contain rocks in the sense we typically refer to in geology. Instead, the oldest surface rocks are typically found in areas known as "cratons" or "shields," which are stable interiors of continents that have survived geological processes over billions of years.

Answer 2

just choose an answer

Answer 3

The correct answers are:

• Rocks are constantly eroded by weather.
• Lava flow from volcanoes buries the old rocks.

Both factors contribute to the difficulty in locating the oldest rocks on Earth.