Fusion of Earth's 5 continents into one: Scientists have a date

In a certain number of years, Earth's 5 continents (counted by convention, excluding Antarctica) will merge into one. 

Researchers from the Centre for Advanced Computing Research at the University of Bristol, UK, have issued the alert. A future "supercontinent" named "Pangea Ultima" might emerge due to the tectonic plate movements that continuously occur in the Earth's crust, reports Le Journal des Femmes. 

The supercontinent in question, whose initial models have been created using supercomputers, will be dry, hot, and "almost uninhabitable". "The emergence of a supercontinent will cause a triple whammy, including the continentality effect (increased thermal amplitude), a hotter sun, and elevated CO2 (carbon dioxide) levels in the atmosphere, leading to increased heat across most of the planet. The result is an essentially hostile environment, devoid of food and water sources for mammals," explains the study's lead author, Dr Alexander Farnsworth.

In other words, the thermometer of "Pangea Ultima" could read temperatures ranging from 40 to 70 degrees Celsius (or even more extreme). In their study, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, the researchers highlight that these extreme daily temperatures could be exacerbated by high humidity levels. The Sun will shine brighter and emit nearly 2.5% more energy than today. In addition to intense and unlivable climatic conditions, frequent volcanic eruptions will contribute to global warming. This is how humans and many other species will eventually disappear, unable to dissipate this heat through sweating, notes Le Journal des Femmes. 

A Continental Fusion? But When Exactly? 

There's a sigh of relief, as scientists estimate that this fusion will occur in 250 million years. One of the study's authors warns: "Of course, this assumes humans stop burning fossil fuels, otherwise we will see this phenomenon occur much sooner." Co-author, Dr Eunice Lo, insists that "it's essential not to lose sight of the current climate crisis, which results from human greenhouse gas emissions. While we anticipate an uninhabitable planet in 250 million years, we're already experiencing extreme heat today, which harms human health. Achieving carbon neutrality as soon as possible is crucial". 

(MH with Raphaël Liset - Source: Le Journal des Femmes - Illustration: ©Unsplash)