What is Zealandia?
Zealandia is a mostly submerged microcontinent about 3,500,000 km2 (1,350,000 mi2) in extent, larger than India or Greenland and just under half the size of Australia. The 7% of the continent that is above water makes up the two islands of New Zealand. The remaining 93% is submerged under 100 – 1000 m (328 – 3,280 ft) of shallow water. Zealandia is also known as Tasmantis, the New Zealand continent, and the Zealandia continent. The entire continent juts approximately 1,000-1,500 m (3,280 – 4,900 ft) from the surrounding sea floor. Zealandia is one of two major submerged microcontinents in the world, the other being the entirely submerged Kerguelen continent, located about 5,000 mi (8,040 km) to the east. These microcontinents were created through friction between tectonic plates and resulting volcanic activity. The continent of Zealandia is primarily composed of two parallel mountain ranges, mostly underwater. This geological makeup is unique among continents. Zealandia lies on the bou
