Protracted Subduction: Decoding Craton Destruction and Longevity

Quick Summary

• A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (Volume 122, Issue 32, August 2025) examines the longevity of cratons, ancient and stable sections of Earth’s lithosphere.
• The research attributes their longevity to refractory, buoyant mantle roots.
• It indicates that some cratons could recently have lost their cratonic roots due to oceanic subduction.
• This finding challenges prior understanding regarding the survival mechanisms that enable cratons to persist over geological time scales.

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Indian Opinion Analysis
This study has significant implications for understanding Earth’s geological evolution and stability over time-knowledge with potential applications for India’s geophysics field as well as natural resource exploration efforts in its own terrain beneath the Indian Craton system (Peninsular India). While evidence suggesting recent loss of cratonic roots is scientifically intriguing,such findings could lead researchers in India to reassess earlier assumptions about regional tectonics or latent mineral reserves linked with its ancient lithospheric shield formations like those found within Dharwar or Singhbhum regions.