New Zealand - The Tip of A Hidden Continent

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of Zealandia, a submerged continent that includes New Zealand, and its potential connection to the myth of Atlantis. Participants reference scientific reports and articles, including a piece from the Geological Society of America, which discusses Zealandia's geological history, including its subsidence approximately 80 million years ago. The conversation highlights the tension between scientific inquiry and speculative theories surrounding Atlantis, emphasizing the need for rigorous hypothesis testing in archaeology.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of geological concepts, specifically Zealandia and its geological history.
  • Familiarity with the myth of Atlantis and its origins in Plato's works.
  • Knowledge of archaeological methods and the importance of hypothesis testing.
  • Awareness of the role of media in shaping public perception of scientific discoveries.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Zealandia's geological features and its significance in plate tectonics.
  • Examine the scientific report from the Geological Society of America regarding Zealandia.
  • Explore the historical context of Atlantis as described in Plato's Timaeus and Critias.
  • Investigate current archaeological methods and their application in validating historical hypotheses.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for geologists, archaeologists, historians, and anyone interested in the intersection of science and mythology, particularly regarding Zealandia and the Atlantis narrative.

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Spent the last hour looking through the last 3 pages of threads
cant find what I was looking for ( I may have missed it ) it's possible it came up within another thread
so had nothing to do with the thread title ... I know it was discussed sometime in the last 12 monthsDave
 
Then how could Plato have written about this land thousands of years ago if it was so far away, in New Zealand?
I have watched the documentary on youtube about something like the Geodesic Circles seen from space in Spain. Can't find the link.
 
@ISamson - specifically what documentary? I need to see what is going on. PF supports science debate, as you know.

@Tom.G Plus, Santorini (Thera) may be a better choice for Atlantis. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minoan_eruption - follow the links for better citations.
I'm sure you do get that Atlantis is fictional and the name derives from Plato's works Timaeus and Critias - which needs no citation. The issue with Atlantis is that PF does not support debate on Plato's works let alone fictional cities/island/continents. And the associated nonsense out there.

http://theconversation.com/explorers-probe-hidden-continent-of-zealandia-83406 - these guys are currently drilling cores and analyzing data. The non-technical article mentions that Zealandia subsided about 80 million years ago, a tad before Plato, early apes, and even the entire primate tree.
FYI: https://www2.palomar.edu/anthro/earlyprimates/early_2.htm

The 'great circle' post caused me to place a 'red great circle' around this thread. The geology part is fine - the rest probably not.
 
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jim mcnamara said:
specifically what documentary? I need to see what is going on. PF supports science debate, as you know.



I was very impressed by it!
I believe that the team is on the right track...:smile:
 
IMO, some aspects of Archeology as a real science need a tune up in the concept of hypothesis test versus hype - which comes first? Most of the obsessive Atlantis hunters and the guys in the video are no exception, but the guys in the video do appear to have have valid reasons for excavation. The Atlantis assertion part is more than a bit off the wall.

I think stuff like 'Atlantis' in that video gets overly emphasized, maybe so more people will watch. Or donate money. It is precisely like I described - hype before a decent set of tests of a hypothesis. And unless they find inscriptions at the site with a its 'local' name at least vaguely reminiscent of 'Atlantis' excavations still will not prove the true identity/origin of the site in the video. BTW: atlantis in greek derives from Ἀτλαντὶς νῆσος (in English) 'island of atlas' where Poseidon dwells. Note the word island.

Please do not let this thread diverge any further from real science, or it is going down. And yeah, the video is interesting. Marginal science. Other mentors may decide to shut this thread down because of the edgy-ness.
 
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Tom.G said:
Who says there is no Atlantis?
Well, it was meant to be rather tongue-in-cheek.
Sorry to start such a storm.

Tom
 
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I think this thread deserves a long rest. Closed.
 
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