Geologists have recently discovered a new microcontinent between Canada and Greenland. This new landmass is named the Davis Strait Proto Micro-Continent. It is named after the strait responsible for its evolution. Made from a fragment of continental crust that is thicker than normal, this landmass is situated in the ocean. Here are all of the important details that you would need to know about this microcontinent that was recently discovered.
New Micro-Continent Between Canada And Greenland Found
According to an article which was recently published by the Tech Times, the microcontinent was discovered by the researchers from University of Derby and Uppsala University. The findings were published in Gondwana Research.
Dr. Christian Schiffer from Uppsala University spearheaded the research. Dr. Jordan Phethean and Doctoral Researcher Luke Longley from the University of Derby also participated in the research. The microcontinent had a crustal thickness of 19 to 24 kilometres. Furthermore, two narrow bands of continental crusts that are thinner surround the landmass.
As per the research, the landmass in question dates back to the Paleogene period which was 33 to 61 million years ago. During this time, an unusually thick continental crust formed in the ocean that later evolved into this microcontinent.
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How Did It Form And About Its Evolution
For those who may not know, the surface of the earth is made of large rock slabs called tectonic plates. It is these plates that are responsible for the movement of the continents, volcanic activities and even earthquakes.
One of the tectonic plate boundaries is situated between Canada and Greenland. This is what forms the Davis Strait. Between 49 and 58 million years ago, the orientation of the seafloor changed. This shift resulted in a rifting-off that led to the creation of this microcontinent.
The researchers reconstructed the movements of the tectonic plates over 30 million years ago to study the evolution of this microcontinent. Their research will have important implications for the study of microcontinents around the world.
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Do you find such geological phenomena fascinating? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: Canva Images (For Representational Purposes Only)
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