For decades, scientists have been fascinated by Zealandia, a submerged landmass beneath the Pacific Ocean. Recently, a groundbreaking study officially recognized Zealandia as Earth’s eighth continent, revealing its unique geological structure and origins.
Zealandia meets the criteria set by the International Geological Congress for defining continents. It has its own distinct geological identity, is largely isolated by oceanic crust, and provides evidence that it is not just a large landmass or fragment of another continent.
The landmass was once part of the supercontinent Gondwana, which also included Antarctica, Australia, and South America. As Gondwana split millions of years ago, Zealandia drifted away and sank beneath the Pacific Ocean, leaving only its peaks above the waterline, forming New Zealand and New Caledonia.
The comprehensive mapping of Zealandia was a technological feat that relied on advanced technologies such as multi-beam sonar systems and seismic data collection. The research teams worked with satellite data to create high-resolution maps that showcase Zealandia’s geological features, including mountains, valleys, and underwater terrain.
This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of Earth’s geological processes. With the full map of Zealandia now complete, scientists can better comprehend the region’s tectonic movements and shed light on the shifting dynamics of the Earth’s crust over millions of years.
Source: https://indiandefencereview.com/zealandia-earths-eighth-continent-mapped