Eriksson's Dune Oldest Lithified Tidal Deposit on Earth

Eriksson's Dune is the oldest lithified tidal deposit on Earth (3.22 bya) located in the Barberton Mountains, South Africa. It is named after K.A. Eriksson, a South African geologist who first wrote about their discovery in 1978. Eriksson's Dune is important not only for its geologic age but also because it is the oldest geologically recorded evidence of tidal rhythm.

The tide-modified sedimentation recorded in Eriksson's Dune material consists of interlaminated sandstones showing evidence of cycles. The rock dune consists of small sandstone conglomerates, cross-bedded sandstones, laminated siltstone, and mudstone. No geological analog like Eriksson’s Dune on Earth exists where the  Archean ocean's rhythmic tides can be studied from Earth's earliest history. This is a very rare, remarkable geological specimen!

Scientists estimate that the distance between the Earth and the Moon 3.2 billion years ago was about 70% of today's distance of 238,900-mile separation.  The Moon was only 167,000 miles from Earth back then. As a result, the Moon appeared 50% bigger in the skies of early Earth. 

The young Moon had a synodic month of about 26.2 lunar days. Earth’s Day was approximately a fast 13 hours. The consequence of such a close Earth-Moon System resulted in more powerful ocean tides than we experience today. 

As many as 15 different tidal layers have been seen in Eriksson’s Dune, reflecting varying strengths of the young Earth's tides. The layering preserved on this ancient shore offers a highly unique window into the dynamics of the early Moon-Earth system.

The size of the Eriksson's Dune specimen is 82mm L X 35mm W X 11mm D, Weight: 56.5 grams; lightly coated back, the front is uncoated. The crust that encircles the sides and bottom is its weathered natural feature. The layering is evident and spectacular!

Note: All-natural transverse sedimentary line runs north to south, depending on how you hold it. It's an extremely interesting specimen.

Ships with: Certificate of Authenticity, tag, tag stand, and information about Eriksson's Dune. Photo cube not included. Eriksson's Dune PHOTO in situ and copy of relevant scientific articles are included.

This specimen was legally obtained in a trade with a scientific institution.

Add Eriksson's Dune from the world's most ancient beach to your diverse geological collection today. Learn and teach about geology on a whole new level by including the dynamics of the early Earth-Moon system with this beautiful geological specimen!

 

 

This scientific material is Guaranteed Authentic. It was professionally and legally collected and arrives with a Certificate of Authenticity.