If you've ever wondered how many continents are there in the world? The answer will be only one: seven continents, according to all geographical books, maps and search engines. This is common, but what if this answer is incorrect? In the late twentieth century, earth scientists discovered a hidden eighth continent called “Zealandia,” located in the Pacific Ocean and below New Zealand. In this article, we will learn about the hidden eighth continent of our planet, as well as the geographical nature, terrain, continental characteristics, and much more about this topic.
Hidden Zealandia Continent
Zealandia is a largely submerged landmass located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean of Oceania. New Zealand is the largest part of Zealandia that lies above sea level. The discovery of this continent dates back to the middle of the twentieth century, but the scientific community did not begin to accept it widely as a distinct continent until the early twenty-first century because there are certain conditions that must be met in order for it to be considered a continent.
When it was discovered, it was classified variously as a submerged continent, continental fragment, and microcontinent. In 2017, a team of international researchers published a comprehensive study in the journal "GSA Today," formally proposing Zealandia's classification as a continent. Geological studies indicate that the continent is one billion years old. The name Zealandia was coined in 1995 by American geophysicist Bruce Luyendyk. It combines "New Zealand" and "Australia," reflecting the region's primary landmasses.
Geography and Topography for Zealandia
Zealandia covers an area of approximately 4.9 million square kilometers, making it the largest current microcontinent on Earth. This submerged landmass is situated to the east of Australia, south of New Caledonia, and west of the Pacific Plate. Despite being largely underwater, Zealandia encompasses several notable landmasses. The most prominent among them are New Zealand, New Caledonia, and New Guinea. Additionally, Zealandia incorporates a number of smaller islands and seafloor ridges.
Continental Characteristics
Zealandia exhibits many of the characteristics that define continents:
1- Elevated Continental Crust: Zealandia possesses a thicker, less dense crust compared to the surrounding oceanic crust, a hallmark feature of continents.
2- Distinct Geology: It has a unique geological history and structure, including a wide range of rock types, geological formations, and tectonic boundaries.
3- Well-Defined Area: Zealandia is a geologically distinct region with clear boundaries, which separates it from the surrounding oceanic crust.
Geological Origins and Tectonic Significance of Zealandia
The geological history of Zealandia is intertwined with the complex tectonic interactions of the Pacific Plate, the Indo-Australian Plate, and the Antarctic Plate. Approximately 85 million years ago, Zealandia was part of the supercontinent Gondwana. Around 23 million years ago, Zealandia started to break away from the larger landmass, eventually settling in its current location.
Zealandia holds tremendous significance in the study of plate tectonics. Its existence sheds light on the dynamic nature of Earth's lithosphere. Additionally, understanding Zealandia's geological evolution provides valuable insights into the broader processes of continental drift, subduction zones, and the formation of ocean basins.
Conclusion
Zealandia, though largely submerged, plays a crucial role in the biodiversity of the southwest Pacific. Its terrestrial and marine ecosystems are home to a diverse range of species, some of which are unique to the region. Efforts are underway to conserve Zealandia's unique biodiversity. These initiatives involve a combination of protected marine areas, sustainable resource management, and scientific research to better understand and safeguard the delicate ecosystems.
#earth_sciences #zealandia #zealandia_continent #eighth_continent #hidden_continent
