Experts are in shock at the discovery of what is already known as humanity’s eighth continent. It is thousands of kilometers away from America (well, maybe not so much, it has a trick) and has new populated countries. Do you know which one it is? You may never have heard of it, and there is little time left to see it: it is only a matter of time before it sinks again, and scientists are trying to reverse a phenomenon about which even the UN is pessimistic. It sounds like a movie, but it’s completely real, and even too real, now you’ll see.
Experts have discovered the Earth’s eighth continent: We have one problem, and no solution
A landmass recently discovered in the southwest Pacific Ocean, called Zealandia, has been classified as the eighth continent of the world. Such findings have given new insight into the factors of geology and the development of the Earth. For many years, there has been no information about Zealandia, as geologists have viewed it as just a few islands and underwater platforms.
Nonetheless, in 2017, the group of geologists and geophysicists came up with empirical findings in the GSA Today newspaper, thus proving that Zealandia is a widespread continent. The researchers collected a great amount of geophysical and geological information, such as depths, rocks, and ashes of the sea floor and seismic surveys to give high precise mapping of the region.
How it was Zealandia discovered? Experts have shared their results
Using the information, they came to know that Zealandia measures about 4.9 million square kilometers, and is the smallest and the youngest and the submerged of all the continents of the world. Zealandia is located in the South West Pacific Ocean area and has coordinates from New Zealand in the south to New Caledonia in the north.
The continent mainly consists from water exceeding the sea level only in 6%, which is New Zealand and New Caledonia islands. Geographically Zealandia is located at the seafloor, the features which can be seen there are deep trenches, underwater volcanoes, vast continental shelves.
This new continent is “emerging” (or not): 4+1 countries and thousands of citizens
Zealandia is subdivided into several countries, which are different by history, culture, and the population quantity. In fact, rather than emerging, it is sinking, with a process that will take several decades (due to sea level rise). The main countries located on the Zealandia platform are:
- New Zealand: As we have mentioned above, the population of New Zealand is around 5 million; therefore, it is the largest country o Zealandia continent. It is famous for its magnificent scenery such as the Southern Alps and glaciers, plus the active volcanic areas.
- New Caledonia: It occupies the southern part of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean and is a French overseas territory with a population of about 270 000 inhabitants. The country is recognized by its scenic forest area and unique culture.
- Fiji: Albeit is not wholly located in the Zealandia plate, with around 900, 000 plus inhabitants, Fiji is partly founded in the Zealandia zone.
- Vanuatu: This Melanesian country with the population of about 300,000 people is partially situated on the Zealandia continent. In the same way, Vanuatu’s geo graphic features include several volcanic islands, cultural and bio-diversity.
- Norfolk Island: An external territory of Australia with the population of about 2000 people, Norfolk Island is located on Zealandia platform.
These countries, culturally and historically different from each other but displayed as part of the Zealandia continent recently discovered, give the view of the geological and historical development of this area. They are close to fantastic atolls, such as those of Tokelau, or small archipelagos, such as those of Palau, very close to the Philippines.
That Zealandia is the eighth continent on Earth is no longer a secret, the problem is now how to prevent global warming from sinking it again. Remember the prime minister of Tuvalu addressing the UN with water up to his knees? It was a sign of things to come, and we have little time to act: let this article serve to raise awareness, remember that it will be Hawaii that will be affected next (hence what we were telling you at the beginning).
