Geologists have discovered a long-lost continental fragment buried beneath the thick ice of Greenland, shedding new light on ancient forces that shaped Earth’s surface. The microcontinent, formed tens of millions of years ago, is believed to be part of a complex tectonic rift system between Greenland and Canada.
The discovery redefines the geological map of the North Atlantic and deepens our understanding of plate tectonic reorganization and continental separation. Researchers have identified the region separating Canada and Greenland as a critical area for studying geological processes.
Data from gravity maps and seismic imaging revealed a unique structure beneath the ice, which is now known as the Davis Strait proto-microcontinent. This ancient block of crust was not fully separated during rifting but became stranded beneath the ocean floor around 49-58 million years ago.
The study’s findings suggest that these microcontinents hold the key to understanding how Earth’s crust breaks and reforms over time. By decoding tectonic processes, scientists hope to forecast future evolution of the planet’s surface and better understand hazards posed by ongoing activity.
The discovery also fits into a larger pattern of similar geological findings in other regions, such as Jan Mayen near Iceland and the East Tasman Rise southeast of Tasmania. As researchers apply this model to other areas, it could provide valuable insights for exploring natural resources and understanding dynamic processes shaping our planet today.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/04/geologists-have-uncovered-a-brand-new-continent-in-arctic-breakup-zone