Is the Earth Larger Than We Have Been Told and Does It Have 8 Continents?

For those who have heard the rumblings that the Earth might be much larger and possibly have more than the 7 continents we have always been taught about, let's navigate through the truth and debunk the myth.

The Myth of a Larger Earth

The assertion that the Earth is much larger than we have been informed often lacks empirical evidence and logical reasoning. Here’s a breakdown of why the core of this myth crumbles:

Planes and satellites that have photographed and documented the Earth's surface are not misleading. The technology used to map our planet is highly advanced and accurate.

Earth Observing satellites, which use radar and photographic instruments, also provide a detailed and accurate picture of the Earth.

People who have circumnavigated the globe following a path of 24,000 miles do so using established and well-documented routes. Their journeys are perfectly feasible with the current understanding of Earth's dimensions.

Zealandia: The Eighth Continent

The closer question revolving around the Earth’s continents is not about increasing its size but expanding the definition of what constitutes a continent. Zealandia, the eighth continent, is a real and scientifically recognized landmass.

What is Zealandia?

Zealandia is a submerged continent that includes New Zealand and a slice of Australia. It sits beneath the Pacific Ocean and was officially declared the world's eighth continent in 2017 by a team of geologists led by GNS Science.

Key Features of Zealandia:

A thick and geologically diverse crust

A size comparable to some of the larger continents

Isolation from other continental masses

The continent lies beneath the sea and is the second largest submerged continental mass on earth, only smaller than Australia.

Continents of the World

According to current scientific consensus, the recognized continents on Earth are:

Asia Africa North America South America Antarctica Europe Australia Zealandia

However, it's important to note that the classification of continents is not set in stone and can vary based on different criteria. For instance, some argue that Oceania is a separate continent, encompassing Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific islands.

In conclusion, while the Earth's size remains within the well-documented parameters, Zealandia does indeed represent a new continent. This concept challenges traditional geographic boundaries and opens up new avenues of research in geology and Earth sciences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all the planes that have flown over the Earth and photographed it wrong?

No, scientific photographs and observations from planes and satellites are accurate. Advances in technology ensure the highest precision in measuring and mapping the Earth.

What about Earth Observing satellites?

Earth Observing satellites have provided detailed records of the planet's surface. Their data is used to build accurate maps and models of the Earth’s features.

Is it true that all people who have journeyed around the world are wrong?

Travelers following the standard 24,000-mile route around the Earth are correct. The circumference of the Earth is well-known and documented, making such journeys both feasible and accurate.

Conclusion

The latest scientific findings confirm the existence of Zealandia as the Earth's eighth continent. This discovery challenges our traditional understanding of the world's geography while reinforcing the power of modern scientific methods in expanding our knowledge of our planet.