New continent found in S. Pacific

New Zealand sits atop a previously unknown continent - mostly submerged beneath the South Pacific - that should be recognized with the name Zealandia, scientists said on Friday.

Researchers said Zealandia was a distinct geological entity and met 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.

In a paper published in the Geological Society of America's journal, GSA Today, they said Zealandia measured 5 million square kilometers and was 94 percent underwater.