By Sama Marwan,
The Pacific Ocean, the largest and deepest of all oceans, covers one-third of Earth’s surface, spanning over 63 million square kilometers. It has long been a site of exploration and mystery. Recently, a groundbreaking study confirmed a surprising discovery in this enigmatic region—a hidden continent beneath the Pacific Ocean that dates back 130 million years.
According to the Argentine scientific research magazine Uno, a team of researchers from New Zealand’s GNS Science successfully explored what they refer to as the eighth continent, Zealandia. This massive landmass had remained concealed beneath the Pacific Ocean for millions of years, making it a long-standing mystery. While its existence had been partially confirmed before, much about it remained unknown. The research team has now managed to complete a detailed map of Zealandia, which spans nearly three million square kilometers.
The team explained that over 95% of Zealandia has been submerged for a long time. It separated from the ancient supercontinent Gondwana around 80 million years ago. Unlike Australia, Zealandia sank almost entirely into the Pacific Ocean, leaving behind only small visible remnants. Thanks to this new study, geologists have been able to analyze the submerged region in greater detail.
Geological Findings of Zealandia
Led by researcher Nick Mortimer, the team used dredging techniques to extract rock samples from the northern two-thirds of Zealandia. They analyzed materials such as sandstone, limestone, and basaltic lava. Through geochemical studies and rock dating, they reconstructed the geological history of the area and examined magnetic anomalies, which further confirmed the presence and characteristics of this hidden continent.
The study revealed that Zealandia has a complex geological history with materials dating back 130 million years. It also confirmed that Zealandia’s crust was stretched and thinned over time, causing most of the landmass to sink beneath the ocean—solidifying its status as a submerged continent beneath the Pacific.
What Was Discovered in Zealandia?
Geological Diversity: The researchers found rocks such as basalt, sandstone, and limestone on the Pacific seabed, indicating that Zealandia has undergone a variety of geological processes over millions of years. These materials belong to different geological periods, reflecting a complex history of formation and transformation beneath the ocean.
Tectonic Deformation: Zealandia’s crust has been stretched and thinned over millions of years, leading to its submersion under the Pacific Ocean. This process caused most of Zealandia to sink, with only a few regions remaining above water—such as New Zealand.
Elevated Ridges Above Sea Level: The study found that certain elevated features, known as ridges, formed due to the collision between the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates. This collision caused specific parts of Zealandia to rise above the ocean’s surface.
This discovery marks a major breakthrough in understanding Earth’s hidden geological past, shedding light on a lost continent that has been submerged for millions of years.
