New continent discovered under New Zealand, mostly submerged unknown continent beneath the South Pacific has been named as Zealandia.<br/><br/>Researchers said Zealandia is a distinct geological entity and meets all the criteria applied to Earth's seven other continents – elevation above the surrounding area, distinctive geology, a well-defined area and a crust much thicker than that found on the ocean floor.<br/><br/>In a paper published in the Geological Society of America's Journal, GSA Today, Zealandia measured 1.9 million square miles and is 94% underwater. The paper's authors said it had only three major landmasses, New Zealand's North and South Islands to the south, and New Caledonia to the north Zealandia.