NEW YORK — Scientists have identified what could be the oldest rocks on Earth from a rock formation in Canada. The Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt has long been known for its ancient rocks — plains of streaked gray stone on the eastern shore of Hudson Bay in Quebec. But researchers disagree on exactly how old they are.

Discover how scientists found and dated the oldest rocks on the planet, and why studying them can help explain how life on Earth first began.

Canadian researchers said they'd found the world's oldest rocks in northern Quebec. The find was controversial. But after more than a decade of hard work, they believe they've really proven it and are giving scientists a new glimpse into Earth's early history.