Constraints on Moon's Orbit 3.2 Billion Years Ago From Tidal Bundle Data

The angular momentum of the Earth-Moon system was initially dominated by Earth's rotation with a short solar day around 5 hours duration. Since then, Earth gradually transferred through tidal friction to orbit Moon, resulting in an increasing orbital radius and deceleration rotation. Geologic observations deposits can be used verify constrain models lunar evolution. In this work we reexamine oldest record suitable for analysis from Moodies Group, South Africa, age 3.22 billion years. Time frequency series thicknesses sandstone-shale layers yields periodicity 15.0 layers, taking into account possibility missing laminae. Assuming mixed system, duration two neap-spring-neap cycles 30.0 days dominant semidiurnal or sidereal diurnal tides. We derive relationship between observation past distance re-visit related published work. find that 3.2 years ago about 70% today's value. Archean 13 long. ratio tide-raising torque controls leakage but deviation assumed 0.211 results only moderate changes. A postulated 21-hour atmospheric resonance shorter than 200 million would consistent our observation; it significantly alter distance.