A hidden city beneath Arctic ice has been uncovered by NASA scientists, revealing a former US military base known as Camp Century. The site, built in 1959, was used for testing construction techniques and conducting scientific research, but also served as a top-secret location for testing the feasibility of deploying nuclear missiles from the Arctic during the Cold War. The rediscovery highlights the enduring consequences of Cold War-era activities and raises concerns about climate change potentially releasing hazardous materials stored at the site.
Scientific Discoveries
Camp Century’s legacy extends beyond Cold War history. Soil cores recovered during its operation have been invaluable in understanding Earth’s ancient climate. Studied with modern techniques, these cores reveal that Greenland was once a lush, verdant region home to mastodons, forests, and diverse wildlife.
Rediscovery by NASA
Using advanced radar technology, NASA scientists uncovered the remnants of Camp Century during an April 2024 flyover of Greenland. The technology, known as Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR), is designed to map the internal layers of ice sheets and the bedrock below.
Impact of Climate Change
The rediscovery of Camp Century serves as a reminder of the enduring consequences of Cold War-era activities. As scientists continue to explore the icy depths of Greenland, Camp Century reminds us of human creativity and engineering skills. However, it also highlights the unexpected outcomes of bold projects from the past.
In April 2024, NASA scientists made a remarkable discovery during a flyover of Greenland, uncovering the remnants of a hidden city buried deep beneath the ice. The site, known as Camp Century, is a former U.S. military base built in 1959 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Background and History
Camp Century was initially constructed to test construction techniques and conduct scientific research in the Arctic. However, its official purpose was also to serve as a top-secret site for testing the feasibility of deploying nuclear missiles from the Arctic during the Cold War. The base housed 85-200 soldiers and was powered by a nuclear reactor.
Legacy and Significance
Camp Century’s legacy extends beyond Cold War history. Soil cores recovered during its operation have been invaluable in understanding Earth’s ancient climate. Studied with modern techniques, these cores reveal that Greenland was once a lush, verdant region home to mastodons, forests, and diverse wildlife. The rediscovery of Camp Century serves as a reminder of the enduring consequences of Cold War-era activities and highlights the unexpected outcomes of bold projects from the past.
In a remarkable discovery, NASA scientists have uncovered the remnants of a hidden city buried deep beneath the Greenland ice sheet. Known as Camp Century, this abandoned US military base lies buried under 100 feet of ice.
History of Camp Century
Camp Century was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1959 within the Greenland Ice Sheet. The official purpose of the base was to test construction techniques and conduct scientific research in the Arctic. However, it also served as a top-secret site for testing the feasibility of deploying nuclear missiles from the Arctic during the Cold War.
Secret Mission of Camp Century
The secret mission of Camp Century was no ordinary base. Constructed in one of the planet’s harshest climates, the base housed 200 soldiers and concealed “Project Iceworm,” a covert plan to store nuclear missiles in ice tunnels for potential strikes on the Soviet Union. However, the dynamic and unstable ice made the project unworkable.
Environmental Concerns
Climate change could allow nuclear waste from Camp Century to be released into the atmosphere. Scientists have raised concerns that climate change will cause the approximately 100 feet of ice covering the base to melt and allow waste from the base to enter the atmosphere. The site contains hazardous materials, including 47,000 gallons of radioactive waste.
Scientific Discoveries
Background and History
Rediscovery and Current State
Using advanced radar technology, NASA’s Chad Greene captured a striking image revealing the site of Camp Century. The technology, known as Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR), is designed to map the internal layers of ice sheets and the bedrock below.
Scientists at CIRES estimate that there are 136 acres of waste from Camp Century buried under the ice, including 53,000 gallons of diesel fuel, 63,000 gallons of wastewater, and an unknown volume of low-level radioactive coolant from the nuclear generator. Climate change could allow this nuclear waste to be released.
Legacy and Significance
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