In the Pacific Ocean, scientists made an amazing discovery

In the southern part of the Pacific Ocean, scientists have made an astonishing discovery – a giant submerged continent with an area of about 5 million square kilometers has been found on the ocean floor. This mysterious landmass, named Zealandia, only protrudes above the water surface by 5%, forming what we know as New Zealand.

The geological chronicle of Zealandia goes back to an unimaginably distant past. Researchers believe that it was part of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, which united modern South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, and a fragment of Asia. Powerful tectonic forces split this colossal landmass, and one of its fragments eventually transformed into Zealandia.

The submersion of the continent beneath the waters of the Pacific Ocean was not an instantaneous cataclysm. About 85 million years ago, Zealandia began its journey, separating first from West Antarctica, and then from Australia. Gradually, the Earth's crust in this region thinned and cooled, which ultimately led to the flooding of almost the entire territory of the continent, reports "My Planet".

The continental nature of Zealandia was confirmed by studies of rock samples and magnetic anomalies. In samples raised from the ocean floor, scientists discovered sandstone, volcanic rocks, and basaltic lavas, whose age spans from the early Cretaceous period to the Eocene. These findings, along with traces of ancient volcanic activity, helped specialists determine the boundaries of the sunken continent.

Despite the fact that today most of Zealandia is hidden under a thick layer of water, its study opens up exciting prospects for science. This unique continent may become the key to understanding the evolution of the Earth's crust and the transformation of continents under the influence of tectonic processes. Of particular value to researchers are the sedimentary rocks of the late Cretaceous period, indicating that some areas of Zealandia remained above water for a long time after separating from other continents.

To date, a significant part of Zealandia's territory remains unexplored. Scientists intend to continue research using seismic surveys and deep-sea drilling, which will reveal new secrets about the structure and history of this mysterious continent.

Source: biwork.ru/