Some of Earth's oldest crust is disintegrating. No cause for alarm, folks.

Even the most stable land is slowly changing

Photo collage of the Earth seen from space, with tectonic plates highlighted and crumbling
Cratons, also known as old landmasses, are slowly breaking apart
(Image credit: Illustration by Julia Wytrazek / Getty Images)

Stable parts of the Earth's crust may not be as immovable as previously thought. While much of the crust is affected by plate tectonic activity, certain more stable portions have remained unchanged for a long time. But new research suggests that even the oldest crust is disintegrating due to natural processes and these erosions could eventually alter the surface of the Earth.

Craton crumbles

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Devika Rao, The Week US

 Devika Rao has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022, covering science, the environment, climate and business. She previously worked as a policy associate for a nonprofit organization advocating for environmental action from a business perspective.