For years, scientists have been exploring the ocean floor to uncover secrets of the past, and now they’ve made a groundbreaking discovery – confirmation of Zealandia, a massive sunken landmass that has long been considered Earth’s hidden eighth continent.
According to a new study published in the journal Tectonics by the American Geophysical Union, Zealandia is geologically mapped in unprecedented detail, revealing strong continental features spread across nearly 5 million square kilometers. The submerged continent was once part of ancient supercontinent Gondwana and began drifting away from what is now Antarctica and Australia around 85 million years ago.
Using advanced geological analysis and high-precision dating techniques, scientists have confirmed that Zealandia hosts characteristic geological units of continental crust, not just oceanic crust fragments. The researchers analyzed rock samples from the Fairway Ridge in the Coral Sea, which revealed a diverse array of seabed materials including basaltic lavas, sandstones, mudstones, and bioclastic limestones.
The study found that Zealandia experienced episodes of rifting and volcanism long after its separation from other landmasses. The combination of magnetic anomalies and rock ages revealed geological patterns that mirror those seen on recognized continents. Scientists also used geophysical mapping to trace the outlines of ancient volcanic flows and structural provinces, confirming that Zealandia is indeed a continent with a complex tectonic history.
The discovery of Zealandia as Earth’s hidden eighth continent has significant implications for our understanding of continental classification. “Zealandia’s underwater status in no way diminishes its geological significance,” said a GNS Science researcher. The study confirms that Zealandia is a geologically complex and fascinating continent, deserving of recognition alongside other continents on Earth.
Source: https://indiandefencereview.com/scientists-confirm-earth-eighth-continent