SCIENTISTS say a study of rocks in the north-west Highlands has provided evidence of a previously unknown ice age, shedding new light on Earth’s evolution.
Researchers from the University of Aberdeen and uncovered evidence of debris dropped from melting icebergs in lakes when analysed rocks in the Torridon area.
The rocks date from the period known as the Boring Billion which took place from 1800 to 800 million years ago. The term is used by geologists to describe what was thought to be a relatively calm period in Earth’s evolution, with little climatic upheaval.
Professor Adrian Hartley led the study, published in the Scottish Journal of Geologym, along with colleagues from the university’s School of Geosciences.
He said: “We made the discovery by analysing silty lake sediments that are a billion years old. It’s the first evidence globally for glaciation at this time in Earth’s history – proving it wasn’t such a Boring Billion after all.”
READ MORE: Drug trial brings new hope to Scot with Huntington’s disease
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here