Greenland, the world's coldest country, is not just a frozen wasteland. Besides the thick sheets of ice, it's home to the biggest national park in the world.
However, beneath its icy surface lies a hidden secret: a massive impact crater that's believed to be approximately 58 million years old. This extraordinary discovery, made in 2018, challenges our understanding of Earth's history and the forces that have shaped this planet.
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The Hiawatha Glacier, located in northwest Greenland, conceals a 19-mile-wide crater; 984 feet deep, formed by the impact of a large asteroid or comet. This crater is big enough to comfortably swallow Washington D.C.!
The collision's impact would have released immense energy, triggering widespread environmental consequences, including climate change and mass extinctions.
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History Of The Discovery Of Greenland's Massive Crater
Initial observations that led to the discovery of a hole the size of a large city
A still image showing the ice sheet removed in the region around the Hiawatha Glacier. The bed topography under the ice clearly shows the Hiawatha crater
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The discovery of the Hiawatha crater beneath Greenland's ice sheet was a groundbreaking moment in understanding Earth's geological history. The first inklings of this hidden impact structure emerged in the summer of 2015 when scientists examined a compilation of NASA's sub-ice topography radar measurements collected over two decades.
These radar images revealed a distinct circular depression beneath the glacier, hinting at the possibility of an impact crater. A team of scientists from Germany's Alfred Wegener Institute conducted an airborne survey in the spring of 2016 to further investigate this intriguing anomaly.
They employed a cutting-edge ultrawideband radar sounder developed by the University of Kansas. This advanced technology allowed them to penetrate the thick ice sheet and gather detailed information about the subsurface structure. The radar data confirmed the presence of a massive impact crater, measuring approximately 19 miles in diameter.
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The crater's distinctive circular shape, raised rim, and central uplift were all clear indicators of a violent collision with a celestial object. The scientific community was electrified by this discovery, as it opened up new avenues for research into Earth's impact history and its potential influence on climate and life.
Location:
Greenland
Date Discovered:
Publicly disclosed in 2018
Discovered By:
A team of scientists from Germany's Alfred Wegener Institute.
Technologies Used:
Ultrawideband radar sounder developed by the University of Kansas.
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You cannot visit this crater, but there are many other meteor craters around the world you can actually visit !
Significance Of The Discovery Of A Hole Beneath Greenland
Theories on the type of meteor or asteroid that could have caused such a crater have begun to emerge
IceBridge flight- Land-terminating Hiawatha Glacier (L center) emerging from its semicircular parent ice lobe, in NW Greenland
The size and depth of the crater suggest that it was formed by a massive asteroid impact. Scientists estimate that the asteroid that created this crater was likely several feet in diameter. Such a colossal impact would have had significant consequences for Earth's climate and ecosystems.
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Crater's Size:
19 miles wide
Crater's Depth:
984 feet deep
Crater's Age:
Approximately 58 million years old
Scientific importance
The Hiawatha crater offers scientists a unique opportunity to study the effects of large asteroid impacts on Earth's history. By analyzing the geological features and mineral composition of the crater, researchers can gain insights into the energy released during the impact, the extent of the damage, and the long-term consequences for life on Earth.
Relation to glacial and climate science
The location of the crater beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet provides a fascinating link between impact events and climate change. The impact would have released immense energy, potentially triggering significant climate shifts and influencing the formation and growth of the ice sheet.
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A geological rarity
While Earth has been bombarded by countless asteroids and comets throughout its history, relatively few impact craters have been preserved. The Hiawatha crater is a rare find, and its discovery adds to the understanding of Earth's geological history and the role of extraterrestrial impacts in shaping the planet.
If you want to explore Greenland, the Arctic Circle Trail , which is the world's most isolated hike , is a great way to explore the edges of the territory's ice sheets.
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Implications For Climate & Geological Studies
Scientists emphasize the importance of continued studies on Greenland's ice sheets and impact craters
Arctic sunrise Hiawatha Glacier
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The discovery of the Hiawatha crater has significant implications for understanding ice sheet dynamics. A massive impact event would have released immense energy, potentially melting significant portions of the ice sheet and influencing the flow of glaciers. By studying the crater's formation and the subsequent geological processes, scientists can better understand the impact of large-scale events on ice sheet behavior and sea-level rise.
The age of the impact
Pinpointing the exact age of the Hiawatha crater is crucial for understanding its impact on Earth's climate history. By analyzing the geological layers and the age of the impact melted rocks, scientists can determine when the asteroid struck. This information can be used to correlate with other significant events in Earth's history, such as mass extinction events or climate shifts.
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The impact of large asteroid strikes
The Hiawatha crater can serve as a reference point for studying other potential impact craters buried beneath ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica. By comparing the characteristics of these craters, scientists can gain a better understanding of the frequency and impact of large asteroid strikes on Earth.
Technological advances in glaciology
The discovery of the Hiawatha crater highlights the importance of advanced remote sensing techniques, such as radar imaging, in exploring Earth's polar regions. As technology continues to improve, scientists can uncover more hidden secrets beneath the ice and gain deeper insights into the planet's history.
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Although 80 percent of Greenland is covered by ice, there are three UNESCO-abandoned Viking settlements you can actually visit !
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Concluding The Hiawatha Crater Theory
The Hiawatha Crater is a symbol of the importance of scientific discovery and perseverance
Aerial view of Jakobshavn Glacier at Disko Bay, Greenland
The discovery of the Hiawatha crater beneath the Greenland ice sheet is a testament to the power of scientific exploration and the surprises that nature has in store. By studying the Hiawatha crater, scientists can better understand the geological history of Greenland and the potential consequences of major impact events.
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This knowledge can help us assess the risks posed by future asteroid impacts and develop strategies to mitigate their potential effects. By investigating the crater's formation and the subsequent geological processes, scientists can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay between Earth's surface and its interior.