Part 4/10:

The search for an eighth continent began in earnest in the mid-1990s, as geologists started to hypothesize about Zealandia—a submerged landmass surrounding New Zealand. Early discoveries had identified a vast continental shelf off the coast of New Zealand, suggesting that it was a remnant of a much larger landmass. This theory was bolstered by further research, culminating in the recognition of Zealandia as a distinct geological entity.