A lost continent known as Greater Adria has been identified beneath southern Europe. This continent formed approximately 240 million years ago, separating from the supercontinent Gondwana, which included Africa, Antarctica, South America, and Australia.
Greater Adria spanned a vast area from the modern Alps to Iran and likely consisted of a chain of islands or archipelagos. The discovery was made by a research team led by Douwe van Hinsbergen from Utrecht University.
Over a decade, scientists analyzed rock formations that were once part of Greater Adria, which are now dispersed across roughly 30 countries. They combined data from various geological maps and histories to create a comprehensive picture.
Greater Adria was situated on the African tectonic plate, which slowly subducted beneath the Eurasian plate. About 100-120 million years ago, this plate collided with Europe, causing parts to sink into the Earth's mantle. However, some rocks remained on the surface, forming mountain ranges like the Alps.
The research team examined magnetic minerals formed by ancient bacteria in these rocks. These bacteria create magnetic particles to orient themselves in the Earth's magnetic field, and after their death, these minerals remain in sediment, turning into stone. The orientation of these minerals indicates significant rock displacement over hundreds of millions of years.
Additionally, scientists collected fragments of rocks that were once part of a whole, such as volcanic belts or coral reefs. Tectonic shifts scattered these rocks like pieces of a puzzle that researchers aimed to reassemble.
The outcome of this work includes detailed maps showing how Greater Adria moved northward and bent before colliding with Europe.