Which Is the Oldest Mountain Range on Earth?
Quick Answer
The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains in South Africa and Eswatini are considered the oldest, with rocks about 3.6 billion years old.
The Full Story
The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains contain some of the best-preserved volcanic and sedimentary rocks on Earth, dating back about 3.6 billion years. They preserve evidence of early continents, meteorite impacts and some of the oldest traces of life. The range was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018. North America's Appalachian Mountains began forming around 480 million years ago and may once have rivalled the Himalayas in height. The Himalayas are among the youngest major ranges and are still rising as India pushes into Asia.
Key Facts
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"3.6 billion years old — the mountains that remember early Earth."