SCIENTISTS at Perth’s Curtin University have foreshadowed a major risk to the global cruise industry – the possibility that the Pacific Ocean may disappear completely in about 300 million years. The grim warning is based on supercomputer modelling of tectonic plate movements, with the researchers publishing a study in the...
SCIENTISTS at Perth’s Curtin University have foreshadowed a major risk to the global cruise industry – the possibility that the Pacific Ocean may disappear completely in about 300 million years.
The grim warning is based on supercomputer modelling of tectonic plate movements, with the researchers publishing a study in the National Science Review journal which found the Pacific shrinks by a few centimetres each year.
They predict the formation of a new supercontinent called ‘Amasia’ created by the ultimate collision of Australia into Asia and then the combined land mass ending up hitting North America.
“By simulating how the Earth’s tectonic plates are expected to evolve using a supercomputer, we were able to show that in less than 300 million years’ time it is likely to be the Pacific Ocean that will close, allowing for the formation of Amasia – debunking some previous scientific theories,” said lead author Dr Chuan Huang.
Some industry commentators have noted that the news may not be all bad for the sector, however, because naturally the disappearance of the Pacific might make some customers book those bucket list cruise holidays before it’s too late.
