The study, published online in Nature Geoscience, conducted by an international team of geoscientists, reveals how recent volcanic activity in Panama and Costa Rica may provide insights into the formation of continents 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 research suggests that "juvenile" continental crust has been generated throughout Earth's history. Senior study author Esteban Gazel, an assistant professor of geology at Virginia Tech, stated that the discovery challenges the previous assumption that all continental crust has been continuously recycled. The Galapagos islands were formed by the melting of the oceanic crust, which recreated conditions similar to those of the ancient Achaean period, providing the necessary element for the creation of continental crust. Researchers found that the lavas erupted about 10 million years ago had a composition similar to continental crust. They also observed seismic waves traveling through the crust at speeds similar to those in continental crust around the world. The western Aleutian Islands and the Iwo-Jima segment of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc system are other examples of recently formed juvenile continental crust. This study raises questions about the global impact of newly formed continental crust on the evolution of continents and life itself. One instance of this is when the Central American land bridge was formed, causing the seaway to close. This altered ocean circulation, separated marine species, and significantly influenced the planet's climate. Gazel stated, "We have discovered a significant aspect of Earth's evolution."