Unveiling the Truth: Are There Really Only Six Continents on Earth?

For years, students have learned about the Earth’s seven continents, happily memorizing their names and locations. But a recent study from the University of Derby is shaking things up. According to this new research, the boundary between Europe and North America may not be as clear-cut as it seems.

Iceland, a volcanic island often thought to sit on a deep mantle plume between two tectonic plates, is at the heart of this discussion. Dr. Jordan Phethean, a geologist leading the study, believes that Iceland could show us that the breakup of these continents is still happening. He suggests that the two plates may be slowly drifting apart rather than being fully separated.

Historically, it was thought that the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which runs through Iceland, formed about 52 million years ago when the North American and Eurasian plates finished tearing apart. However, Phethean’s research argues that there is still a geological connection between them, meaning Iceland might not be the isolated land we’ve always thought.

The team focuses on a formation called the Greenland-Iceland-Faroe Ridge. This ridge includes pieces from both tectonic plates, hinting that Iceland is more like a bridge rather than a standalone island. Phethean points out that inside Iceland are remnants of a submerged continent, along with several layers of lava.

In their arguments, the researchers compare Iceland to the Afar region in eastern Africa, another volcanic area along a significant rift. They believe that both places are undergoing similar tectonic processes, reinforcing the idea that the North Atlantic is still in a state of change.

Phethean acknowledges the skepticism around their findings, stating it’s controversial to say the plates haven’t fully broken apart yet. However, he insists their conclusions are based on careful seismic analysis and modeling.

The study also revisits previous findings from the team, which revealed a proto-microcontinent hiding beneath the Davis Strait, the area between Canada and Greenland. This submerged landmass provides further evidence that fragments of continents still lie hidden beneath the ocean.

“Understanding these rifting events can deepen our knowledge of Earth’s geological future,” Phethean remarked, as it might help scientists locate resource-rich areas that were previously ignored.

If these claims are validated through ongoing tests, we may have to rethink our maps. Instead of seven continents, we might recognize just six, suggesting a more fluid and dynamic world than we ever considered.

Geologists agree that this shift in perspective could lead to fresh insights in both geology and resource management. As our understanding of tectonics evolves, it’s clear that our planet continues to undergo significant and ongoing changes. For more detailed information, you can read the study in Gondwana Research.

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