Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
New research challenges the long-held belief of seven continents, suggesting North America and Europe might still be connected as one massive landmass.
A study in Gondwana Research reveals that the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia are not entirely broken apart, overturning traditional geological theories.
Iceland, previously thought to be volcanic, is now believed to contain fragments of both North American and European tectonic plates, redefining its geological identity.
Scientists have coined the term “Rifted Oceanic Magmatic Plateau” (ROMP) to describe this interconnected structure, which challenges current continental definitions.
Lead researcher Dr. Jordan Phethean compares the discovery to finding Atlantis, as it uncovers submerged fragments of a lost continent beneath the ocean.
The study posits that Europe and North America are still in the process of breaking apart, reshaping our understanding of tectonic movements.
Researchers argue that the Greenland Iceland Faroes Ridge (GIFR) holds pieces of both continents, supporting the idea of a larger interconnected landmass.
Striking similarities between Iceland and Africa’s volcanic Afar region bolster the theory that continents remain more interconnected than previously thought.
Using computer simulations and tectonic modeling, scientists aim to refine their findings, offering insights into Earth’s future landscape and resource locations.