Ur (supercontinent) facts for kids
Ur was a giant landmass, called a supercontinent, that formed on Earth about 3.1 billion years ago. This was during a very early time in Earth's history, known as the Archaean eon. Some scientists think Ur might have been the oldest continent ever, forming even before another ancient landmass called Arctica. However, another supercontinent, Vaalbara, might have formed even earlier, around 3.6 billion years ago.
Ur didn't stay alone forever. About 1 billion years ago, it joined with other continents like Nena and Atlantica to create an even bigger supercontinent called Rodinia. Ur remained a single piece of land for a very long time. It only broke apart when the most famous supercontinent, Pangaea, split into two main parts: Laurasia and Gondwana.
Ur's Amazing Journey
The rocks that once made up the supercontinent Ur can still be found today! They are now parts of modern-day Africa, Australia, and the country of India.
When Ur first formed, it was likely the only large continent on Earth. That's why scientists call it a supercontinent, even though it was probably smaller than Australia is today. Imagine a landmass about the size of modern New Zealand, but turned on its side – that's a bit like what Ur might have looked like!
At that time, any other land on Earth was just small granite islands or tiny landmasses, like Vaalbara. These were not big enough to be called continents on their own.
Ur's Timeline
Here's a look at some key moments in Ur's long history:
- About 3.1 billion years ago: Ur formed as what might have been the only continent on Earth.
- Around 2.8 billion years ago: Ur became part of a supercontinent called Kenorland.
- Around 2 billion years ago: Ur was a piece of another supercontinent, Columbia.
- Around 1 billion years ago: Ur joined to form the supercontinent Rodinia.
- Around 550 million years ago: Ur was part of the supercontinent Pannotia.
- Around 300 million years ago: Ur became a part of the famous supercontinent Pangaea.
- Around 208 million years ago: When Pangaea broke apart, Ur was split into pieces that became parts of Laurasia and Gondwana.
- Around 65 million years ago: The part of Ur that was in Africa separated and became part of India.
- Today: The ancient rocks of Ur are now found in parts of Australia and Madagascar.
Related pages
See also
In Spanish: Ur (supercontinente) para niños
