China-led research uncovers that ‘Greater Gondwana’ constituted 80% of Earth’s crust 500 million years ago.

Researchers from China and Australia have uncovered ancient remnants of Gondwana, a massive landmass that existed around 500 million years ago. Published in Science Advances, the study indicates that Gondwana was far larger than previously estimated. The findings suggest that geological processes linked to this ancient structure played a significant role in creating the conditions necessary for the Cambrian explosion. The research involved collaboration among various institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences and Curtin University in Australia.