University of Wyoming Researcher, Kevin Chamberlain, has helped disprove a previously wide-held theory of two Precambrian super continents (called Nuna-Columbia and Rodinia) using a technique called “diking,” which examines specific types of layers in rocks called dikes. Chamberlain examined “mafic” dikes in layers of rock, which are dark bands of mineral or rock containing magnesium and iron that form between existing, older rocks. Chamberlain found similar dike swarms (cluster of dikes within the continental crust) in the Southern regions of Siberia and mountain ranges of Wyoming, as well as similar ages of cratons and dike swarms in the two regions. This helped determine when and where the cratons split apart and caused continent reformation, which proved that the Southern region of Siberia and the core of North America where Wyoming’s mountain ranges fall were connected at one point. The findings helped Chamberlain conclude that these regions were connected for about 1.2 billion years, anywhere from 1.9 to 700 million years ago, as one of four or five hypothesized super continent cycles.

The discovery also brought good news to the futures of mining companies. The uncovering of similar dike swarms and craton ages in the two geographic regions reveal that large metal deposits are likely to exist under the younger layers of rock.

Find the article at : https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160412091348.htm