A vast, mostly submerged landmass in the South Pacific called Zealandia. Spanning nearly two million square miles, only about five percent of this continent, including New Zealand, rises above the ocean's surface. Researchers, led by Nick Mortimer from GNS Science, trace Zealandia's origins back over 100 million years to the supercontinent Gondwana. As Gondwana broke apart, Zealandia began to drift away from West Antarctica and later Australia, eventually thinning and sinking below sea level due to tectonic shifts.

For decades, geologists suspected this submerged area was continental, but recent data, including rock dating and magnetic anomaly mapping, has provided definitive proof. These findings show Zealandia shares key geological traits with other recognized continents, confirming it is not just fragmented ocean crust.

The study of Zealandia is crucial for understanding how continents evolve under shifting tectonic plate conditions. This hidden landmass preserves unique clues about Earth's past. While much of Zealandia remains unexplored, future research using advanced technologies like seismic imaging is expected to reveal more about its structure, its influence on sea level and climate, and how Earth's surface continuously rearranges itself. Zealandia stands out for its size and completeness, reminding us that our planet still holds many secrets.

Why is this good?

-Confirming Zealandia as Earth's eighth continent is exciting news because it significantly deepens our understanding of the planet's geological history and processes. This submerged continent offers a unique, preserved record of how landmasses form, drift, and interact with tectonic forces over millions of years. By studying Zealandia, scientists gain invaluable insights into plate tectonics, continental evolution, and even past climate patterns, which can help us better comprehend Earth's dynamic nature and future.

(Source: Summarized from reporting by Jordan Joseph for Earth.com)