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Eighth continent discovered: Meet Zealandia, Earth's new hidden continental mass
Beneath the waves of Pacific South related to zealand, a huge submerged landmass, often considered the eighth continent of the Earth. About 95% of its area remains submerged, but its geological origins date back millions of years, to the supercontinent Gondwana.
The fragmented history of zealand offers a unique insight into the tectonic evolution of our planet and reveals how this continent “lost” hides beneath the waters over time.
A continent lost to the sea
A zealand is part of the supercontinent Gondwana, which has existed for over 100 million years and includes regions that are now the Africa, South America, Antarctica, the Australia and the subcontinent Indian.
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Over time, Gondwana underwent a process of fragmentation, and Zealandia began to separate from its neighbors.
Zealandia separated from southern West Antarctica about 85 million years ago, while northern Zealandia separated from Australia about 60 million years ago.
However, unlike other continents that were placed above sea level, Zealandia began to gradually sink during the Paleogene period.
The Earth's crust in the region cooled and thinned, causing most of Zealandia to be submerged, with only New Zealand and New Caledonia remaining visible today.
Discovering the secrets of Zealandia
Although the existence of Zealandia was suggested decades ago, only recent scientific advances have allowed the continent to gain greater attention in academic circles.
A study published in the journal Tectonics by GNS Science, led by geologist Nick Mortimer, represented an important advance in research on Zealandia.
To investigate, the team used advanced dredging techniques in the northern reaches of Zealandia, collecting rock samples including sandstone, mudstone, limestone and basaltic lava. These samples yielded key insights into the geological history of the region.
“By taking these rocks and analysing their magnetic characteristics, we were able to map the major geological units of North Zealand,” explained Mortimer’s team. This offshore geological mapping was the first of its kind for mainland Zealand and provided an unprecedented view.
Some of the rock samples, such as sandstone, are about 95 million years old, dating back to the period Upper Cretaceous. Samples of granite and volcanic rocks are up to 130 million years old, dating back to the Lower Cretaceous period.
Basalt samples have been dated to the Eocene, about 40 million years ago. This combination of data provides a detailed timeline of Zealandia's geological evolution.
Theories about the formation of Zealandia
The recent discoveries challenge previous theories about how the continent formed. Previously, many researchers suggested that Zealandia was formed by a thrust rupture between tectonic plates, where one plate moved horizontally over another.
However, Mortimer's team's study points to an alternative theory.
Research suggests that the stretching of the plates pierced fissures similar to a subduction process, forming the Tasman Sea. This tectonic extension process led to the thinning of the crust, causing Zealandia to sink, until it reached its current submerged state.
Geological significance beyond the surface
Understanding the geological evolution of Zealandia has significant implications for the study of global tectonics. Zealandia's crust is thinned by up to 65%, a rare feature that allows for more in-depth study of tectonic processes.
Additionally, Zealandia serves as a “natural laboratory” that helps geologists better understand the geological dynamics of the Pacific.
A researcher at GNS Science commented that “the fact that Zealandia is submerged does not in any way diminish its geological importance“On the contrary, the submerged continent reveals unique characteristics that help in understanding the evolution of the planet.
Continuation of research and technological advances
Research on Zealandia continues and presents unique challenges due to its submerged state. However, the development of new technologies, such as deep-sea dredging and advanced seismic imaging techniques, has allowed scientists to unlock secrets of the submerged continent.
These studies aim to further refine our understanding of Zealandia's geology, and ultimately, Earth's history itself.
As scientists explore Zealandia, they are not only unraveling the mysteries of a hidden continent, but also uncovering a more complete understanding of our planet's dynamic history.
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