This book consolidates the latest research on the Hadean Eon - the first 500 million years of Earth history - which has permitted hypotheses of early Earth evolution to be tested, including geophysical models that include the possibility of plate tectonic-like behavior.
Why Hadean?- Thermal evolution models.- Radionuclide produced isotopic variations in mantle rocks.- The Lunar surface and Late Heavy Bombardment concept.- Models of continental growth and destruction.- Plate boundary interactions through geologic history.- Hadean Jack Hills zircon geochemistry.- Hadean zircons elsewhere in the Solar System.- Proposed sources of Hadean zircons.- Could the Hadean eon have been habitable?- Morpho- and chemo-fossil evidence for the appearance of life.- Collectanea.