CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
In a groundbreaking geological study, researchers from the United Kingdom and Sweden have uncovered a previously unknown fragment of continental crust beneath the icy waters of the Davis Strait a region situated between Canada’s Baffin Island and Greenland. This newly identified feature, known as the Davis Strait proto-microcontinent, offers fresh insights into the ancient tectonic shifts that shaped the North Atlantic.
Unveiling A Hidden Landmass
The Davis Strait proto-microcontinent lies submerged off Greenland’s western coastline. Characterised by an unusually thick continental crust ranging from 19 to 24 kilometres (12 to 15 miles) this structure was detected using advanced techniques such as satellite-based gravity measurements and seismic imaging. These tools helped researchers examine rock densities and chart the hidden geological structures deep beneath the seafloor.
Tectonic Origins
The tectonic history of the Davis Strait dates back approximately 120 million years when Greenland and the North American landmass began to move apart. This continental separation accelerated around 61 million years ago, triggering the formation of new oceanic crust in the region. A major geological fault, the Pre-Ungava Transform Margin, played a crucial role in steering Greenland’s northeastward drift.
Birth Of Proto-Microcontinent
Roughly 56 million years ago, renewed tectonic activity contributed to the formation of the Davis Strait proto-microcontinent. Around 48 million years ago, a significant geological shift occurred when the North American plate was nearly split. However, this rifting process was halted midway, and the formation of a new fault diverted the movement, preserving the proto-microcontinent from full detachment.
Geological Landscape Of Davis Strait
Stretching about 650 kilometers (400 miles) in length and up to 400 kilometers (250 miles) wide, the Davis Strait connects Baffin Bay with the Labrador Sea and forms part of the Northwest Passage. It is marked by intricate underwater topography, including deep basins and ridges shaped by millions of years of tectonic motion.
Scientific Importance
The discovery of this ancient microcontinent is a major development in our understanding of the geological evolution of the Arctic and North Atlantic. It sheds light on the complex dynamics of continental drift and tectonic plate movement. This finding is expected to contribute significantly to future research in geology, plate tectonics, and environmental studies related to the Arctic seabed.
Welcome to Notopedia.com, your free learning platform that caters to the diverse needs of students and aspirants across a spectrum of entrance exams and educational endeavors. Whether you're preparing for highly anticipated exams like CAT, NEET, JEE Main, or bank job vacancies, our platform offers a wealth of resources to guide you towards success. Stay up-to-date with the latest exam dates, announcements, and results for various government recruitment exams, including SSC CGL, CHSL, NDA, and UPSC. Explore comprehensive study materials, sample papers, and exam patterns to hone your skills and boost your confidence. From important dates like CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets to exam-specific information like JEE Main application form date, we cover it all. Notopedia.com is your go-to source for everything from admissions and admit cards to scholarships and college information. Whether you're aiming for a career in defense, government, banking, or higher education, our free learning platform equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to excel. Join us in your educational journey and unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and comprehensive support.
For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board
For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section
For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section
For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section
For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section
