Mega-canyon discovered beneath Greenland ice sheet
A massive canyon has been discovered beneath the Greenland ice sheet, measuring at least 750 kilometers long. This geological formation, which predates glaciation, has remained hidden under two kilometers of ice for over four million years. Researchers believe this discovery highlights the potential for more unknown features beneath the ice in Greenland and Antarctica.
- ▪The canyon is almost twice the length of the Grand Canyon and has characteristics of an ancient river system.
- ▪The discovery was made while mapping Greenland's bedrock, which was previously thought to be flat and smooth.
- ▪The findings are significant for understanding glacial movement and its implications for sea level rise.
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A previously unknown canyon has been discovered in Greenland, hidden beneath the ice. It is at least 750 kilometres long. To put that in perspective, imagine a ten kilometre wide gorge, up to 800 metres deep, running from the Southern coast of England and into Scotland. This is on the same scale as parts of the Grand Canyon.>Jonathan Bamber , who led the research, was originally mapping Greenland’s bedrock, which was previously thought to be relatively flat and smooth. “Unexpectedly, we found an enormous apparent formation,” he said. “We looked at it in more detail, and realised it was a canyon.” The canyon, which is thought to predate glaciation, has remained hidden beneath two kilometres of ice for more than four million years.
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