By MOOK Scenic Spots / Jun(e), compiled and reported
Future geography textbooks may be rewritten as a result. The latest research has found that beneath the ocean south-east of Australia and centered around New Zealand lies an unknown new continent, tentatively named Zealandia by scientists. This continent sank into the sea approximately 65 to 85 million years ago, with about 94% of its area submerged. Covering a total area of 4.92 million square kilometers, it is equivalent in size to 136 Taiwans. Currently, no scientific organization is specifically responsible for certifying continents, but with sufficient evidence, the recognition of this new continent is only a matter of time. Once officially recognized, it will become the world’s eighth continent and also the smallest one.
Geological researchers have recently discovered an unknown new continent beneath the ocean centered around New Zealand, tentatively named Zealandia (Image source / 100% Pure New Zealand)
The rich landscapes of mountains and valleys are among New Zealand’s geographical features, yet few realize these are merely the exposed peaks of a mysterious continent, with the rest lying submerged under the sea. In the natural sciences, even large and obvious things can be overlooked — Zealandia is the perfect example.
Zealandia split from the ancient supercontinent Gondwana and became a submerged new continent (Image source / GNS Science)
Early form of Zealandia (Image source / geosociety)
With significant advancements in seabed mapping technology, researchers are now more certain that Zealandia meets the criteria to be classified as a continent. Once officially named, New Zealand will no longer just be a small island, but part of the world’s eighth continent.
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