Zealand, the enigmatic submerged “eighth continent” in the southwest of Pacific, has been the subject of fascination and intense research since scientists proposed, in 2017, classifying the region as a continent.
Now, a study published in the journal Tectonics reveals new discoveries about its formation and implications for biological evolution.
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Zealandia, which shares geological features with its above-water portions New Zealand and New Caledonia, stands out for its crust, thicker than typical oceanic crust but thinner than most crusts continental.
Its history dates back around 180 million years, when it was part of the supercontinent Gondwana. Over millions of years, it went through a “thinning” process, stretching and, eventually, submerging.
However, the exact mechanisms behind this geological transformation remain without a conclusive answer, fascinating the scientific community and enthusiasts of the subject.
Scientists recently collected rock samples and magnetic anomalies to unravel this enigma, revealing important clues about Zealandia's history.
(Image: disclosure)
Furthermore, Zealandia's history has significant implications for biological evolution of Earth, even though it has been submerged for millions of years.
Before it sank, the region was a vibrant ecosystem, with pollen spores and shells from shallow-water animals, indicating a diversity of flora and fauna.
The breakup of Gondwana isolated Zealandia, allowing the unique evolution of species in different parts of the world, such as kangaroos in Australia and lemurs in Madagascar.
Such revelations challenge the erroneous idea that the Earth's surface is static, with the continents as immutable. Therefore, they have a lasting impact on human understanding of the dispersal and evolution of species in the South Pacific.
As scientists continue to explore its mysteries, Zealandia is proving to be a tool for questioning human assumptions about planet Earth.
It is a reminder that, behind the static appearance, the planet is constantly transforming, and each discovery allows humanity to move towards a broader understanding of life.