"Zealandia: Earth’s Eighth Continent"
In 1642, a Dutch sailor named Abel Tasman embarked on a mission, anticipating a grand southern continent. Surprisingly, he stumbled upon Zealandia.
Scientists shared the discovery of Zealandia in 2017, introducing a new continent submerged beneath the ocean, challenging conventional ideas about continents.
Zealandia’s Ancient Story (550 million years ago): Zealandia, once part of the vast landmass Gondwana, began drifting away approximately 105 million years ago.
Mostly Underwater (94% Submerged): Zealandia, though mostly underwater, possesses distinct features setting it apart from ordinary ocean floors, qualifying it as a continent.
Exploration Boost in the 1990s: The 1990s saw increased interest in exploring Zealandia due to international rules, leading to the discovery of new territories.
New Territories Added: Zealandia extends beyond underwater regions, encompassing places like New Caledonia, Lord Howe Island, and Ball’s Pyramid.
Dinosaurs and Kiwi Birds: Fossil findings, including large dinosaurs and the kiwi bird’s link to Madagascar’s elephant bird, provoke curiosity about Zealandia’s history.
Drilling into Zealandia: Scientists delved into Zealandia’s underwater realms, unearthing pollen and fossils, challenging assumptions about its submerged duration.
Geological Mysteries: Zealandia’s peculiar shape and twisted geological features present an intriguing puzzle, leaving scientists questioning how the Earth’s crust shifted.
Ongoing Exploration Challenges: Unraveling Zealandia’s secrets proves challenging due to its predominantly underwater nature, demanding meticulous and time-consuming exploration.
Eighth Continent’s Lasting Mystery: Despite the years passed since Abel Tasman’s voyage, Zealandia continues to captivate, underscoring the enduring mystery that shrouds our planet.
Article source: business today