Dec 13, 2024, 12:01 AM
Dec 13, 2024, 12:01 AM

NASA uncovers mysterious structures hidden in Greenland's ice

Highlights
  • NASA scientists tested a new radar instrument over Greenland's ice sheet in April.
  • The radar revealed the location of Camp Century, a secret military base built in 1959.
  • The discovery has implications for environmental concerns related to the melting of ice and potential waste.
Story

In April, NASA scientists conducted a flight over Greenland while testing a new radar instrument capable of probing deep into the ice sheet. The instrument, unlike conventional radars, offers a three-dimensional view by scanning both downwards and sideways. This advanced technology inadvertently uncovered Camp Century, a clandestine military base established during the Cold War. Originally constructed in 1959 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the camp was intended to provide the military with a strategic advantage by utilizing the Arctic as a shorter route for missile deployment to the Soviet Union. Although the planned deployment of ballistic missiles was never executed, a complex network of tunnels was excavated, which suggests significant military activity and investment in this remote location at that time. The discovery of Camp Century raises concerns about the fate of frozen waste and its potential environmental impact as climate change causes increased melting of Greenland's ice. As the structure lies beneath layers of ice, it remains uncertain how climate change will affect the stability of the base and the safety of any materials still stored there. The ongoing investigation reflects a growing awareness of how historical military facilities might be impacted by modern environmental changes, highlighting potential risks related to waste containment and environmental preservation in Arctic regions.

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