A study published online in Nature Geoscience reveals that recent volcanic activity in Panama and Costa Rica may provide insights into the formation of the Earth's continental crust billions of years ago. While many scientists believe that all of the planet's continental crust was created during a specific period in Earth's history, the new research suggests that "juvenile" continental crust has been forming continuously throughout history. Senior study author Esteban Gazel, an assistant professor of geology at Virginia Tech, explains that while the massive production of continental crust seen in the past is no longer common, there are exceptions that still produce new continental crust. The melting of the oceanic crust led to the creation of the Galapagos islands, which recreated Achaean-like conditions necessary for the formation of continental crust. Researchers found that the geochemical composition of erupted lavas became similar to continental crust about 10 million years ago. They also observed seismic waves moving through the crust at speeds comparable to those found in continental crust around the world. The formation of juvenile continental crust in places like the western Aleutian Islands and the Iwo-Jima segment of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc system has also been observed. This study prompts questions about the global impact of newly-formed continental crust throughout history and its role in the development of continents and life itself. For instance, the creation of the Central American land bridge led to the blocking of the seaway, altering ocean circulation, dividing marine species, and significantly influencing the Earth's climate. Gazel noted, "We have uncovered a significant discovery in the planet's evolution."