Recent research challenges the traditional notion of Earth having seven continents, suggesting that there may only be six. A study published in Gondwana Research proposes that North America and Europe could be considered a single continent due to ongoing tectonic plate movements. The study's lead author explains that the plates have not fully separated as previously believed.
The study focuses on Iceland and the Greenland Iceland Faroes Ridge, suggesting that these regions contain geological fragments from both European and North American plates. This challenges the existing theory of Iceland's formation and introduces the concept of a 'Rifted Oceanic Magmatic Plateau' (ROMP) to describe this interconnected continental structure.
Researchers draw parallels between Iceland and Africa's Afar region, indicating that the European and North American continents may still be linked. While the findings are controversial, the team stands by their meticulous research and plans to conduct further tests on Iceland's volcanic rocks to solidify their evidence.
Additionally, the discovery of a hidden 'proto-microcontinent' between Canada and Greenland sheds light on ongoing continental formation processes. Understanding these phenomena aids in predicting Earth's future landscape and identifying valuable resources.
