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The article discusses a study published in 2020 in "Geology," by Erin Matchan, a geochronologist at Melbourne University, which calculated the age of the Budj Bim volcano in Australia. Topics covered include evidence which suggests that Budj Bim, a central character in Australian myths, may be 37 millennia old, a method called argon dating used by Matchan, and the related folk tale about Skell, Llao and an earthly maiden.

The article reports that chemical biomarkers found in Australian rocks, and once thought to be the oldest evidence of complex life on the planet, may have been incorporated into the matrix long after formation. These biomarkers were chemical compounds produced by life forms related to cyanobacteria. Birger Rasmussen, a geochemist at Curtin University of Technology in Bentley, Australia, provides quotes on the topic. INSET: Back Story.

Reports on dating analyses of bodies buried at Lake Mungo. Number of years the Lake Mungo individuals have been buried according to James M. Bowler of the University of Melbourne; Number of years since people first settled in the Lake Mungo area; Results of soil evaluations with respect to water levels in the lake.