New Zealand’s hidden continent, Zealandia, has revealed more of its secrets in recent research. Although 95% underwater, the latest maps of this eighth continent have now been released. These findings challenge the common belief of there being only seven continents in the world.
Zealandia, situated southeast of Australia, remained unnoticed for 375 years primarily due to being submerged under 1-2 km of water. Recently, researchers have unveiled detailed maps of this region, providing insights into its formation and its submersion 25 million years ago.
It’s believed that Zealandia separated from the supercontinent Gondwana about 83 million years ago. Research in 2002 suggested that the ocean above Zealandia is shallower, indicating the presence of a continental plate, not an oceanic one.
In 2017, combined evidence confirmed Zealandia as a continent. However, its complete history is still a mystery, mainly due to its deformation when parting from Gondwana.
A recent study analysed rocks from Zealandia’s northernmost tip, the Fairway Ridge. These rocks, some being over 130 million years old, align with the geology of West Antarctica, indicating they were once joined.
Research using magnetic anomalies, which show tectonic plate movements, reveals more about Zealandia’s thinning over time, causing its submersion.
Zealandia’s full story remains largely hidden due to its underwater location.
