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In their paper, they propose a model where the same tectonic forces that squeeze the oceanic crust into mountains could be underthrusting parts of that crust and pushing it toward the magmatic chamber where the zircons are formed -- influencing the chemical signatures recorded in the crystals during the early to middle stages of closure.

As the continents continue to squeeze together, the oceanic crust is eventually replaced by continental crust, the source of the pulldown signal.

The researchers think this transitional phase where zircons are juiced by oceanic crust could be part of back arc basins around the world.

Rey is currently analyzing zircons from the Sea of Japan -- a modern back arc basin that's in the early stages of closure -- to see if there's signs of oceanic crust influencing the zircon signature.

This missing step involves a sort of geologic juicing in a magma chamber where zircons form before they reach the surface, with oceanic crust entering the chamber ahead of continental crust.