Zealandia: The Discovery of Earth's Hidden Continent

Zealandia: Geoscientists Discover Hidden Continent After Centuries

Geoscientists have officially recognized Zealandia as a continent, a landmass largely submerged beneath the Pacific Ocean. This discovery comes after nearly 375 years of speculation and hints at its existence.

Zealandia spans approximately 4.9 million square kilometers (1.89 million square miles) and is about half the size of Australia. It was once part of the supercontinent Gondwana, dating back over 500 million years. Around 83-79 million years ago, it broke away from Gondwana.

The first encounter with Zealandia was in 1642 by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who sought the "Great Southern Continent." Although he didn't find Zealandia, he encountered the Māori, who hinted at the existence of a massive landmass. However, it wasn't until 2017 that its existence was confirmed. This recognition highlights how significant geological features can remain hidden for centuries.

Today, about 94% of Zealandia remains submerged, with New Zealand and New Caledonia being the largest parts above sea level. The mapping of Zealandia was completed in 2023, revealing its geological composition, volcanic activity, and sedimentary basins.

The discovery of Zealandia provides valuable insights into continental rifting, thinning, and breakup processes. It also enriches our understanding of Earth's geological history.