New Earth dawns: supercontinent slowly takes shape

By Peter Spinks
Updated May 12 2015 - 5:08pm, first published April 27 2015 - 7:27pm
It's all coming together: An artist's impression of how the new supercontinent is taking shape. Photo: Li and Zhong, 2009
It's all coming together: An artist's impression of how the new supercontinent is taking shape. Photo: Li and Zhong, 2009
Shifting: the earth's plates are slowly shifting and creating a new supercontinent. Photo: Supplied
Shifting: the earth's plates are slowly shifting and creating a new supercontinent. Photo: Supplied
Timeline: From ancient lands to more modern times. Photo: Li and Zhong
Timeline: From ancient lands to more modern times. Photo: Li and Zhong

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake that devastated Nepal at the weekend is a stark reminder that the Earth-moving forces that shape continents are as active today as they were 4.5 billion years ago when our planet was in the throes of being formed.