How did Earth's continents form? Leading theory may be in doubt

steam rises above a bubbling, iron-rich geyser

Scientists have eliminated one possible origin for Earth's continents.

Despite the importance of Earth's continents, the huge pieces of the planet's crust that divide its oceans, very little is known about what gave rise to these large landmasses that make our planet unique in the solar system and play a key role in allowing it to host life.