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A new method based on data from geophones laid manually on the ground sheds new light on Australia’s early history.

Pilbara once on its own

The iron-ore-rich regions of Pilbara and Yilgarn Cratons in Western Australia were once a small continent about the size of Japan, according to a study backed by the Geological Survey of Western Australia.

Published: 13 May 2014

According to geologist Simon Johnson, central Western Australia was formed by remnants of tectonic plates that crashed. Until now, geologists have had to rely on aerial magnetic surveys and data generated by mining firms exploring for potential mineral deposits. Johnson and his team applied a new method, based on data from geophones laid manually on the ground, and they have shed new light on the Earth’s early history.