Which Continent Is Moving 7 Cm North (Towards Asia) Every Year? Find The Surprising Answer

Country That Is Moving Towards Asia Every Year: Most of the time, we are unaware of it, but our planet is changing all the time. Landmasses move slowly, rivers alter their paths, and mountains gradually rise. These modifications are a result of the natural process known as plate tectonics, which involves the gradual shifting of massive plates beneath the surface of the Earth. Some of these movements are so tiny that only sophisticated technology can measure them, while others have a greater influence on the weather, our environment, and even the geography of the future.

You might be surprised to know that one massive landmass on Earth is moving faster than the rest. It’s drifting northwards at a speed of about 7 centimetres per year. At a rate of roughly 7 centimetres per year, it is moving northward. Though it might not seem like much, this movement has the power to alter the shape of our oceans and continents over millions of years. This phenomenon has been the subject of decades of scientific investigation, and its cause is both intriguing and crucial to our comprehension of Earth's functioning. What continent, then, is travelling slowly but steadily? Let us discover.

The Fastest Moving Continent

A country that is moving towards Asia (Image: Canva)

The continent moving 7 centimetres north towards Asia every year is Australia. This process is slowly changing the face of our world over millions of years.

Why Is Australia Moving?

Australia is located on the Indo-Australian tectonic plate, which is one of the fastest-moving plates on Earth. The movement is caused by shifting forces deep inside the planet’s mantle. This plate is moving northward and slightly eastward, heading towards the Eurasian plate.

ALSO READ: Which Is The Largest Country In The World?

What This Means for the Future

Australia and portions of Southeast Asia may collide in millions of years. Like the Himalayas, the collision might create new mountain ranges. Long-term ecosystems and ocean currents may also be impacted by this movement.

How Scientists Track the Movement

To pinpoint the precise location of points throughout Australia, researchers use GPS technology. These measurements demonstrate the continent's consistent northward movement over time. Geological research, building projects and navigation systems all depend on this tracking.

Does This Affect People?

People cannot feel the movement in their daily lives because it is too slow. It has an impact on GPS mapping, though, so Australia's coordinates must be updated every few years. It may alter landscapes and coastlines in the distant future.

10 unique Fun Facts about Australia

Unique facts about Australia (Image: Canva)

1.  Smallest Continent, Huge Country – Australia is the smallest continent but the sixth-largest country in the world by land area.

2.  Home to Unique Wildlife – Over 80% of Australia’s plants, mammals, reptiles and frogs are found nowhere else on Earth.

3.  Only Country-Continent – Australia is the only country that covers an entire continent.

4.  World’s Largest Sand Island – Fraser Island in Queensland is the largest sand island in the world.

5.  Great Barrier Reef Wonder – It hosts the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system, visible even from space.

ALSO READ: Mount Everest Is Not Tallest Mountain In The World- Find Out Which One Is!

6.  Sports Lovers’ Nation – Australia has one of the highest rates of sports participation in the world.

7.  Eucalyptus Everywhere – There are over 700 species of eucalyptus trees in Australia.

8.  Kangaroo Population Boom – Kangaroos outnumber humans in Australia.

9.  Sunniest Capital Cities – Perth gets more sunny days than any other Australian capital city.

10. GPS Adjustment Needed – Australia’s GPS coordinates shift every few years because the continent is moving northward.