In a significant discovery, a research team from the University of Derby, headed by Dr Jordan Phethean, has proposed that there may be only six continents on Earth. The discovery challenges the traditional view of seven. The bold claim is based on comprehensive geological studies that examine the landmasses of North America and Europe. 

The 6 Continents study’s findings 

Research published in Godwana Research indicated that the North American and European continents are still in the process of breaking apart and should be viewed as one continent. This finding contradicts the long-held belief that these continents split approximately 52 million years ago. 

Dr Phethean and his team did thorough research in Iceland, situated between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean.

They discovered that Iceland and the Greenland Iceland Foreas Ridge (GIFR) have geological fragments from both European and North American tectonic plates. This implies that these areas are part of a bigger continental system. 

ROMP, a new geological feature 

Scientists have discovered a new geological feature called the Rifted Oceanic Magmatic Plateau (ROMP). This feature is thought to play an important role in the process of continents breaking apart.

Dr Phethean compared this finding to discovering the “Lost City of Atlantis”. As it reveals pieces of a sunken continent under the ocean. 

Implications and Future Research

The findings of this study are significant as they question the usual views on Earth’s geological past and how continents formed. The research team intends to keep examining volcanic rocks in Iceland to find more solid proof of ancient continental crust. 

Dr Phethean highlighted the value of this finding. He said that by looking at how rifting develops in the volcanic Afar region of Africa and comparing it to Iceland. Dr Phethean continued that we can see that both areas are changing in similar ways.

As the research continues, it could change our understanding of Earth’s continents and their creation. Currently, the idea of six continents of seven remains a topic of intense scientific debate and curiosity.