Lost Continent of Greater Adria Unearthed After Millions of Years

Geologists have discovered a lost continent, Greater Adria, that once rivaled Greenland in size and has been hidden beneath Southern Europe for nearly 140 million years, reshaping our understanding of Earth’s history and the forces that mold our planet.

Unveiling Greater Adria

A team of scientists, spearheaded by geologist Douwe van Hinsbergen from Utrecht University, achieved this remarkable feat. They spent over a decade utilizing geological software and seismic data to chart the movements of tectonic plates. This process revealed the continent’s dramatic history, from its separation from North Africa roughly 200 million years ago.

The team’s research, published in the journal Gondwana Research, outlines how Greater Adria drifted toward what is now Southern Europe, but rather than colliding, it submerged. Subduction, a process where one tectonic plate slides beneath another, gradually pulled much of the continent beneath the surface of Europe.

“Everything is curved, broken and stacked,”

—Douwe van Hinsbergen, Geologist

The remnants of this submerged landmass have become components of the Alps, Apennines, and the mountains of Greece and Turkey. The latest data shows the submerged continent stretches as deep as 1,500 kilometers below the Earth’s surface. Scientists have discovered that at least 70% of the planet’s surface is covered by water (USGS 2024).

Impact and Future Implications

This discovery underscores the dynamic nature of our planet and the profound impact of subduction. The research offers invaluable insights into earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the ongoing evolution of the Mediterranean region.

Van Hinsbergen noted, Forget Atlantis. Without realizing it, vast numbers of tourists spend their holiday each year on the lost continent of Greater Adria.

This discovery underscores that much of Earth’s history remains untouched, with hidden mysteries still shaping our planet.