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Zealandia: The Hidden Continent Beneath the Pacific

11/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Zealandia is a submerged landmass beneath the Pacific Ocean that spans nearly two million square miles, larger than India.
In 2017, GNS Science geologists declared Zealandia a full-fledged continent, meeting criteria of elevation, geology, and a thick crust.
Most of Zealandia lies over 6,500 feet below sea level, hindering traditional geological mapping.
Advances in satellite gravity mapping and deep-ocean drilling have revealed Zealandia's outline and sparked questions about its history.

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Story summary

Zealandia is a submerged landmass beneath the Pacific Ocean that spans nearly two million square miles, larger than India.
In 2017, GNS Science geologists declared Zealandia a full-fledged continent, meeting criteria of elevation, geology, and a thick crust.
Most of Zealandia lies over 6,500 feet below sea level, hindering traditional geological mapping.
Advances in satellite gravity mapping and deep-ocean drilling have revealed Zealandia's outline and sparked questions about its history.