We have always learnt and taught the younger generation about the seven wonderful and major continents of the world. Whenever we talk about geography, our mind always bombards upon these names:- Asia, Africa, Australia, North America, South America, Europe, and Antarctica. But have you ever wondered about an 8th continent, or does something like this ever exist? Well, we didn’t believe that until…
6 years ago, 2017…
Scientists found the 8th continent, Zealandia, also known as Tasmantis in Australia and the South Pacific Ocean covering many countries like New Zealand, which it was termed that it had been out of our sight for 375 years. It was previously part of Gondwana. It is a half-submerged continent, kind of like an island.
Scientists say that the continent is 1 billion years old, according to a 2021 study, which is twice as old as they had expected back in 2018. They also found out that 23 million years ago, the continent had been fully submerged underwater. Today, most of the landmass remains submerged (94%) beneath the Pacific Ocean.
Volcanic Activity
Zealandia is a very active region.
The northern part of Zealandia is very volcanic. There are six major areas with active volcanoes, the largest being the Taupo Volcanic Zone on the North Island. Geothermal activity caused by the interaction of the Australian and Pacific plates also means there are many natural geysers and hot springs scattered throughout Zealandia.
Both the North and South Islands have volcanic mountain ranges running through their centres. The North Island is covered by the North Island Volcanic Plateau, while the primary mountain range of the South Island is the Southern Alps. Both mountain ranges are slowly getting higher through a process called tectonic uplift.
Underwater Zealandia
The submerged part of Zealandia is rich in minerals, although New Zealand’s government denies undersea mining activity. There are also many natural gas fields in Zealandia. The Maui natural gas field is the largest.
Fun Facts
1. According to BBC, Zealandia has been recorded as being the shortest, youngest, and thinnest continent of the world.
2. Did you know that Zealandia is a microcontinent, a continent that has emerged from another landmass? It broke off Antarctica almost 100 million years ago, and then from Australia about 80 million years ago.
February, 2024
