Freshwater Cycle on Earth Began 4 Billion Years Ago, New Study Reveals

Analysis of ancient zircon crystals challenges previous theories, suggesting early presence of land and freshwater.

Researchers found evidence of freshwater in 4-billion-year-old zircon crystals from Western Australia's Jack Hills.
This discovery pushes back the timeline for Earth's hydrological cycle by 500 million years.
The findings imply that landmasses and freshwater existed much earlier than previously thought.
The presence of freshwater suggests conditions for life could have emerged shortly after Earth's formation.
The study used oxygen isotope analysis to identify the light isotopic signatures indicative of freshwater.