Geoscientists have recently unveiled the existence of Zealandia, a long and narrow microcontinent submerged in the South Pacific Ocean. Zealandia is located to the east of Australia and south of New Caledonia, encompassing areas like New Zealand and New Caledonia. It was once part of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, separating from it around 105 million years ago and eventually sinking beneath the waves. This microcontinent covers approximately 1.89 million square miles, with over 94% of it submerged. Zealandia plays a crucial role in the dynamics of tectonic plate boundaries, including the Australian Plate, Pacific Plate, and Indo-Australian Plate.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Zealandia: Zealandia is a submerged microcontinent in the South Pacific Ocean, including regions like New Zealand and New Caledonia. It was once part of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana.
- Gondwana: Gondwana was a massive supercontinent that existed over 500 million years ago, including landmasses such as Zealandia, Western Antarctica, and Eastern Australia. It gradually broke apart into separate continents.
- Tectonic Plates: Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth’s crust that move and interact with one another, causing geological phenomena like earthquakes and the formation of mountains. Zealandia is located along the boundaries of several tectonic plates.
- Abel Tasman: Abel Tasman was a Dutch businessman and sailor who, in 1642, became one of the first Europeans to encounter Zealandia while searching for the “great Southern Continent,” or Terra Australis.
- Microcontinent: A microcontinent is a small, distinct landmass that is often smaller than a traditional continent but shares geological characteristics. Zealandia is an example of a submerged microcontinent in the South Pacific Ocean.
