A new continent is "emerging" on Earth

Scientists from Australia and France have discovered signs of a new continent forming in the southern part of the Indian Ocean, near Antarctica. According to data published in the scientific journal Terra Nova, this region is experiencing active growth of continental crust - the foundation of future land.

Analysis of the rocks showed that the structure of the local crust differs significantly from typical oceanic crust. There is a high rate of its formation: on average about 0.001 cubic kilometers per year, and in some areas - up to 0.8 cubic kilometers. These changes are occurring in subduction zones, where the oceanic plate sinks beneath the continental plate, causing rock melting and magma formation - a key stage in the birth of continents.

According to specialists' estimates, the process of new crust growth began 7 to 12 million years ago. If the pace continues, approximately the same amount of time will be needed for the formation of a full-fledged continent. One of the main signs of this has been the accumulation of a granite layer - the main element of continental crust.

This discovery confirms that geological processes on Earth continue even in remote and seemingly stable corners of the planet.