Australia is moving closer and closer to Asia. According to experts, this phenomenon could unite the two continents in about 30 million years.
"Whether we like it or not, the Australian continent is going to collide with Asia," said Professor Zheng-Xiang Li of Curtin University (Perth, Australia) in 2009. This continent is in constant motion, albeit very slowly, at a speed of only seven centimeters per year. This movement will cause, after millions of years, Australia to merge with Asia.
This is a cyclical process that has been repeated throughout history. About 35 million years ago, Australia separated from Antarctica and moved into the Indian Ocean. Since then, it has been on the move, at a rate similar to the growth of fingernails over the course of a year, writes A2 CNN.
Australia is located on the Indo-Australian plate, which moves faster than any other plate on Earth. According to experts, in 20-30 million years, it will merge with Asia, having a significant impact on our planet, as happened before, when supercontinents like Pangaea formed, 300 million years ago.
By then, the effects are starting to show, although they are still small. This movement has caused inaccuracies in GPS data, requiring adjustments to Australia's coordinates by 1.8 meters. This problem will be corrected continuously over the coming years.
According to experts, when the collision occurs, it will not be "peaceful". This global geological change will cause an increase in seismic activity, with more earthquakes and, possibly, more powerful ones. Also, this process will bring changes in relief and climate, affecting the lives of some species of Australia, such as kangaroos and koalas.
Some of these species may be forced to "compete" with other animals from Asia in a natural process, while others may adapt and survive. However, there is a possibility that some species will become extinct due to the new ecological conditions. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
