Ptygmatic Folding in Northern Saskatchewan Migmatites: Evidence for an Ancient Crustal Processes

This image showcases striking ptygmatic folding within a migmatite from Northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Ptygmatic folds are characterized by their contorted, often disharmonic, and typically isolated appearance, resembling squiggly lines or intestines. They are commonly found in migmatites – rocks that have undergone partial melting, existing in a transitional state between igneous and metamorphic rocks. The highly ductile behavior of the mobilized melt fraction within the migmatite, alongside the more rigid behavior of the un-melted or less-melted portions, facilitates the formation of these intricate folds under immense pressure and high temperatures. The specific conditions in Northern Saskatchewan, a region known for its complex Precambrian geological history, suggest these folds formed during significant orogenic (mountain-building) events, where deep crustal rocks were subjected to intense deformation and metamorphism. Given the geological context of migmatites and the slow, extended processes of partial melting and deformation involved, the formation of such features typically requires millions of years, indicating a very old age for these rocks and the geological processes that formed them. The precise age of the migmatite itself would be in the range of billions of years, aligning with the Precambrian age of the Canadian Shield.

Old-Earth Creationism and Ptygmatic Folding:

Old-Earth Creationism (OEC) readily accommodates the presence of ptygmatic folding in ancient migmatites like those found in Northern Saskatchewan. OEC proponents accept the scientific consensus on the Earth's deep time (billions of years) and the geological processes that shape it. They view the formation of migmatites and their complex folding as natural processes designed and orchestrated by God over vast stretches of time. The immense pressures, high temperatures, and slow, continuous deformation required for ptygmatic folding are seen as evidence of God's intricate and powerful design in the Earth's geological history, unfolding over eons as described by scientific findings.

Global Flood and Ptygmatic Folding:

A global flood cannot cause the ptygmatic folding observed in these migmatites. Ptygmatic folds form under conditions of extreme heat (partial melting), immense confining pressures deep within the Earth's crust, and prolonged ductile deformation, processes that occur over millions of years. A catastrophic, short-duration flood, even one of global scale, lacks the necessary sustained heat, pressure, and time to induce partial melting and the subsequent slow, plastic flow required for such intricate folding. The rapid deposition and erosional forces of a flood are entirely incompatible with the deep-seated, long-term geological processes responsible for migmatization and ptygmatic folding.

Old-Earth Creationism and Long Genesis Days:

Old-Earth Creationism interprets the "days" in Genesis 1 as long, undefined periods of time, rather than literal 24-hour days. This allows for the billions of years required for geological processes like the formation of migmatites and ptygmatic folding. The extended "days" accommodate the scientific evidence for deep time, allowing for the slow and gradual formation of Earth's complex geological features.

Deuteronomy 33:15 “And with the best things of the ancient mountains, And with the choice things of the everlasting hills.” Old-Earth Creationism interprets Deuteronomy referencing "ancient mountains" and "everlasting hills," as long periods. OEC argue that such biblical phrases suggest a deep, geological timescale predating human existence. This passage underscores the concept of a long-established, enduring Earth.

Old Earth Creationism interprets Job 9:5-6 as a description of God's immense power and sovereignty over natural forces, rather than a literal 24 hour depiction of specific, recent geological events. OEC acknowledges that mountains and geological features are formed through long, natural processes, but attributes the ultimate cause to God's design and ongoing control. "Removing mountains" and "shaking the earth" are seen as descriptions  of God's ability to orchestrate and influence the Earth's systems, including tectonic shifts and geological upheavals, over vast periods. This verse highlights God's role as the sustainer and director of the physical world, aligning with OEC's view of God working through established natural laws and deep time.

Old-Earth Creationism and God's Glory:

Old-Earth Creationism magnifies God's glory by showcasing His power and wisdom in orchestrating a vast, complex, and ancient universe. The intricate geological processes, the immense time scales, and the finely tuned physical laws that lead to formations like ptygmatic folds demonstrate a God of unimaginable creativity and patience, whose work unfolds over eons, revealing a grander and more magnificent design than a brief, recent creation.