Ancient zircon in Indian Ocean reveals buried microcontinent Mauritia under Mauritius

A few minerals plus gravity exposed a hidden crust

Researchers using tiny zircon minerals from volcanic rocks near Mauritius and gravity data have mapped a submerged ancient crust block called Mauritia. It’s a microcontinent, not a lost continent, and its presence helps scientists track how landmasses break apart and reshape the Indian Ocean floor, unlocking Earth’s deeper past hidden beneath water.