A massive land area hidden beneath the South Pacific Ocean has been identified as a separate continent spanning nearly two million square miles. Known as Zealandia, it is believed to have formed from the break-up of the supercontinent Gondwana around 85 million years ago. The discovery was made by geologists who used advanced techniques such as rock dating and magnetic signatures to map the region’s boundaries.
Researchers suggest that Zealandia was shaped by tectonic plate movements, which caused the land to thin and eventually subside into the ocean. The continent is composed of sandstone, volcanic pebbles, and basaltic lavas with ages ranging from the Early Cretaceous to the Eocene epoch.
The discovery has significant scientific value as it provides a unique window into Earth’s past, allowing scientists to study how continents evolve under changing plate conditions. With much of Zealandia remaining unexplored, researchers hope to uncover more details about its structure and past using technologies such as seismic imaging and deep-sea drilling.
Zealandia is not only a geological wonder but also a reminder that Earth still holds many secrets waiting to be uncovered. The study’s findings have sparked discussion about what qualifies as a continent, and future research may refine our understanding of how Zealandia contributes to global tectonic activity.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-confirm-the-location-of-earths-missing-eighth-continent-zealandia