Looking at the world map, many of you have wondered why Greenland is an island, and Australia, which is not much larger than it, has the status of a continent?
Why was Greenland so unfair at first glance deprived of the status of the continent?
How did geographers decide what to call an island and what to call a separate mainland?
Let’s find the answers to these questions today …
About the Sizes of Greenland and Australia
When we look at a world map, it seems to us that Greenland, if not equal in area to Australia, then at least not so different from it.
But this is a delusion.
In fact, the area of Australia together with the island of Tasmania is 2969907 miles² (without Tasmania 2943497 miles²), and the area of Greenland is 822706 miles², more than three times less.
But how is it possible ?
After all, they look almost the same…
The answer is too simple:
This happens because the map of the world, which depicts the surface of the Earth, actually distorts reality.
Most common map projections increase the distances at the poles, but the equatorial regions are shown without distortion =).
For comparison, you can take the peel of an orange and try to spread it on a flat surface – you will have to make breaks closer to the edges.
To prevent the map from looking like a stripe with jagged edges, objects closer to the poles seem to be stretched, which distorts their size.
Why Is Greenland an Island but Australia a Continent?
When you look at a map, Greenland appears much larger than Australia in area – over 2 million square kilometers compared to Australia’s 7.
7 million.
Yet Australia is defined as a continent while Greenland is considered merely the world’s largest island.
This is because continents are not just defined by size, but by tectonic plates and separation from other landmasses.
Standing on Greenland, you would find yourself on the North American tectonic plate.
The North American plate also includes mainland North America, which sits just south of Greenland.
In fact, Greenland is separated from Canada’s Ellesmere Island by only a narrow 19 km stretch of water – clearly not enough separation to divide it from the North American landmass into its own continent.
In contrast, when exploring Australia you are standing on the Australian tectonic plate.
Look at any map and you’ll see Australia sits entirely isolated by vast oceans from the continental landmass of Asia to the west.
The deep seas that surround Australia entirely are what define it as fully separated, and its tectonic plate is what gives it a distinct continental identity.
Continents are defined not just by size, but by their tectonic plate and separation from other continental landmasses by water.
Australia meets these criteria, while Greenland does not.
Even though Greenland is significantly larger, it is considered an island because it is situated on the North American plate.
Australia is petite for a continent, but its isolated position on its own tectonic plate classifies it as a continent.
The differences can also be seen in the unique plants and animals found only in Australia, reflecting its isolated continental status.
Greenland shares many species like polar bears with neighboring North American regions, showing it is not biologically distinct like Australia.
There are 7 established continents based on tectonics and separation – North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and Antarctica.
By the basic criteria that define continents, Greenland fits as the world’s largest island, while Australia constitutes the smallest continent.
While the continental model has flaws, it makes sense that based on geography, geology and biology, Greenland is considered an island and Australia a continent.
Standing on either landmass demonstrates why these categorizations are scientifically valid.
Why is Australia a Continent not an Island?
Because, in addition to a separate lithospheric plate (the Australian) the originality of the region and the historically established tradition are of great importance for separating into a separate continent.
Australia has its own unique aboriginal population, unlike other regions of the planet, the composition of flora and fauna.
The identity of the population and local inhabitants was a different reason why Australia received the status of a continent.
Before the arrival of the Europeans, the Australian aborigines had their own original culture, not similar to that developed even among the inhabitants of the nearest islands.
Greenland in these parameters is not much different from Baffin Island, for example, or other nearby islands.
People of Greenland belong to a large ethnic group – the Eskimos.
The local nature differs little from other nearby islands.
Why is Australia Called an Island Continent?
Australia is referred to as an island continent because it is a continent entirely surrounded by water, making it both an isolated continent and a large island.
Australia sits on its own tectonic plate called the Australian Plate, separating it geologically from other continents.
It is the smallest continent on Earth, with an area of 7.
7 million square kilometers, allowing the title of ‘island’ to fit despite its continental status.
The landmass of Australia is completely surrounded by major bodies of water – the Pacific, Southern, and Indian Oceans – with no land connections.
This geographic isolation from other continents across oceans is what gives Australia its status as the sole ‘island continent.’
Australia has unique flora and fauna found nowhere else, including kangaroos, koalas, and eucalyptus trees adapted to its ecology as an isolated landmass.
As both a biologically and geologically distinct landmass separated from other continents by oceans, Australia suits the term ‘island continent’.
Other continents have islands surrounding them, but Australia itself is the world’s largest island at nearly 3 million square miles.
Being both the smallest continent and completely surrounded by water distinguishes Australia as the sole ‘island continent’ compared to the 6 other continents.
No other continent is completely isolated by oceans as Australia is, giving it the unique designation of a continent that meets the geographic criteria to also be considered an island.
Is Greenland Considered An Island?
Yes.
This is the largest island with an area of 8108145 sq.
miles and a population of 55 thousand people.
Greenland geographically belongs to North America, since it is located in its northeastern part, and politically – to Europe.
Originally, the island is of continental origin.
It gradually separated from North America.
This is indicated by the location of Greenland within the Canadian Shield (the ledge of the folded basement of the Precambrian era).
The geological factor also indicates that Greenland belongs to the islands.
Why Isn’t Australia An Island?
Australia isn’t considered an island because it meets the geographic and geological criteria to be classified as a continent based on its size, isolation, and position on its own tectonic plate.
At nearly 7.
7 million square kilometers, Australia is far larger than what is typically defined as an island in terms of area.
Australia sits on its own tectonic plate called the Australian Plate, giving it a distinct geological identity separate from other continents.
The ecosystems and species found only in Australia reflect its long isolation as a separated landmass and status as a continent.
Australia has major rivers, mountains, deserts, and other geographical features that sets it apart as a large continent rather than an island.
Being completely surrounded by oceans does make Australia geographically unique among continents, but this isolation is what defines it as a continent in its own right.
The term ‘island’ is generally used for relatively small, isolated landmasses like Greenland, Madagascar, or Japan, rather than a large continent.
While it has ‘island’ characteristics, Australia’s sheer size and geological status mean it is considered the smallest continent rather than a large island.
No strict criteria define a continent, but by standard definitions Australia constitutes a continent based on area, isolation, plate tectonics, biology, and physical geography.
So while it has some island-like attributes, Australia is categorized as a continent rather than just a large island due to its distinct characteristics.
Why isn’t Greenland its Own Country?
Greenland is a parliamentary republic.
In 1979, the Danish government granted broad autonomy to Greenland with the possibility of pursuing its own independent domestic policy.
But the Danish monarchy can still influence the internal administration of the island but only formally through its high commissioner.
By law, Greenland together with smaller islands forms an administrative autonomous unit which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
With the end of the Second World War, Greenland lost its colonial status, and it was proclaimed part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Now Greenland politically belongs to Europe.
Is Greenland Popular?
Yes.
A large number of hydrocarbon sources, valuable metals and fish are concentrated on the island.
With the development of modern technologies and the melting of glaciers due to global climate warming, it has become much easier to extract them.
Is Greenland Popular Among Tourists?
Yes.
Hundreds of thousands of travelers from around the world who are tired of warm beaches go to Greenland to enjoy the exoticness of the Arctic.
Among the rich natural attractions, polar mirages and the northern lights stand out.
People also come here to practice winter sports, get acquainted with the amazing flora and fauna, and even take a sea trip to see real whales.
Those who love extreme travel go by helicopter to the inner Greenland glacier, where new icebergs are born in huge blocks of snow.
Conclusion
Greenland is an island because its size is several times smaller than the smallest continent (Australia).
Much more important is the geological origin of the island.
It lies on the North American Plate, along with other islands.
Also in Greenland there is no unique flora and fauna, aboriginal population – according to these characteristics, it does not differ from neighboring islands.
P.
S ( My Opinion):
If Greenland and Australia were much closer in area, Greenland could have a greater claim to the status of a continent (and Australia to the status of an island).
But now the huge difference between them creates a good dividing line in the question of type definition.
