7 Things To Know About Zealandia, The 8th Continent

In schools, we are taught about seven continents: North America, South America, Australia, Asia, Europe, Africa and Anarctica. However, a recent discovery has unveiled an eighth hidden continent known as Zealandia. Below are some intriguing facts about this mysterious, submerged landmass.

Discovery and Name:

Zealandia, also known as Te Riu-a-Māui in the Maori language or Tasmantis, is a submerged mass of land located beneath the Pacific Ocean. The concept and name for Zealandia were introduced by American geologist Bruce Luyendyk in 1995.

Formation and Separation:

Zealandia is believed to have broken away from the supercontinent Gondwana approximately 83 to 76 million years ago. The landmass’s geological history involves a fascinating journey of separation and submersion beneath the ocean’s surface.

Land Above Water:

Only about 7% of Zealandia’s land is above water, and these landmasses are known today as the country of New Zealand and New Caledonia, a collection of small islands. The majority of Zealandia remains hidden beneath the Pacific waters.

Classification as a Submerged Continent:

In 2017, a group of 11 scientists from New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Australia decided to classify Zealandia as a submerged continent. The criteria for this classification were met, signifying the unique nature of this largely hidden landmass.

Age Revelation:

Initially estimated to be 550 million years old, Zealandia’s age was later revised based on a 2021 study, suggesting that it could be around 1 billion years old. This revised understanding adds to the geological complexity of Zealandia.

Climate and Glaciers:

Zealandia boasts a temperate climate, with its largest island home to numerous glaciers. The Tasman Glacier, located on the South Island of New Zealand, is the largest known glacier in the region.

Volcanic Activity:

Zealandia is volcanically active, particularly in its northern region. Six areas within Zealandia consist of active volcanoes, with the Taupo Volcanic Zone, situated in the North Island of New Zealand, being the largest and most notable.

The discovery of Zealandia has opened new avenues for scientific exploration, providing insights into Earth’s geological evolution and the complex interplay of land and water over millions of years.