Recent research has sparked debate among scientists regarding the number of continents on Earth. Traditionally, seven continents are taught: Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, and Australia. However, a new study suggests that there may only be six continents.
This study, conducted by geologists, indicates that the complex geological conditions beneath the ocean surfaces could lead to a reevaluation of continental classification. The research focuses on the submerged land extending from Greenland to the Faroe Islands, revealing that tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface may still be separating in unexpected ways.
Dr. Gordon Fethen, a lecturer in Earth Sciences at the University of Derby, led this study with assistance from scientists in Switzerland, Italy, and the United States. The research team found similarities between the Afar region in Africa and the formation of Iceland, particularly in the processes of rifting. They identified a new feature termed the Rifted Oceanic Magmatic Plateau (ROMP).
The study challenges the long-held belief that the North American and Eurasian plates have been separate for millions of years. Dr. Fethen argues that the separation process is ongoing, contradicting previous assumptions.
This emerging perspective could significantly impact future geological classifications and resource exploration, particularly concerning fossil fuels. If scientists agree on the existence of only six continents, it may alter our understanding of tectonic movements and the geological risks associated with earthquakes and volcanoes.