, March 12 -- Scientists have developed a new method to explore the deep history of Australia's landscapes, offering insights into past climate changes, geological activity, and potential mineral deposits.

Researchers from Curtin University's Timescales of Mineral Systems Group, in collaboration with the University of Gottingen and the University of Cologne, studied microscopic zircon crystals collected from

ancient beach sands. Zircon is an extremely durable mineral that can survive millions of years of weathering and erosion while preserving clues about its geological past.

The team focused on krypton gas trapped inside these zircon grains. This rare gas forms when cosmic rays - high-energy particles from space - strike minerals near...