Scientists Discover Buried Proto-Microcontinent

In April 2025, an Anglo-Swedish research team announced the discovery of the Davis Strait proto-microcontinent, a hidden landmass beneath Greenland’s western offshore, redefining our understanding of Earth's tectonic past.

Key Points

New Proto-Microcontinent Identified: The Davis Strait proto-microcontinent, 19–24 km wide, lies between Canada’s Baffin Island and Greenland beneath the oceanic Davis Strait.
Geophysical Techniques Used: The team used satellite gravity measurements and marine seismic data to detect the unusually thick continental crust.
Tectonic Timeline Unveiled: The feature formed during Greenland’s rifting from North America (120–33 million years ago), influenced by shifts in fault lines and tectonic collisions.
Seismic Stability Today: The region now shows no significant seismic activity, suggesting tectonic calm due to lithospheric changes, not just deep mantle forces.
Broader Implications: Similar microcontinents—like Jan Mayen and East Tasman Rise—indicate such formations are more common than previously believed, offering new clues about Earth’s geological evolution.