Scientists with the Geology Service of Brazil have announced the discovery of a chunk of granite 900 miles off the coast of Brazil that is being called the "Brazilian Atlantis".
The scientists, who worked with Japanese researchers, have found the rock more than 8,000 feet beneath the sea in an area called the Rio Grande Elevation. Granite, typically, only forms on dry land. The discovery was made last year by geologists from underwater observations from Japan's £84 million mini-sub Shinkai 6500.
"It is unusual because it is granite rock," said Roberto Ventura Santo, Geology Service Director, to UPI. "And you don't find granite on the seabed. It is more usual to find it on the mainland."
"This is the region that has been least explored worldwide," explains Japanese researcher Hiroshi Kitazato of the area where the Brazilian 'Atlantis' has been found. "So, we believe it is very important to research it. Previously, the Shinkai carried out expeditions closer to Japan, the Indian and the Pacific Ocean."
The scientists believe the chunk of land disappeared 100 million years ago when Africa and South America separated. But the experts also say that they need to analyze the continental crust a bit more to confirm the theory. The Daily Telegraph reports that the scientists will be drilling for more samples this year.
"This could be Brazil's Atlantis," says Santos. "We are almost certain but we need to strengthen this hypothesis. We speak of Atlantis more in terms of symbolism. Obviously, we don't expect to find a lost city in the middle of the Atlantic."
"But if it is the case that we find a continent in the middle of the ocean, it will be a very big discovery that could have various implications in relation to the extension of the continental shelf," he added.
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