Giant canyon discovered under ice in Greenland

In the days of Google Maps, which can record every corner of the world, researchers have discovered a giant canyon hidden under the ice in Greenland. Measurements indicate that the formation is at least 750 kilometers long, which would be slightly more than the distance between the capitals Florianópolis and São Paulo, for example.

According to the Ars Technica website note, Jonathan Bamber and his research team were studying the region's soil - which they believed was flat and uneven - when they discovered it. “Surprisingly, we found a huge apparent formation. We looked more closely and found that it was a canyon, ”said the research leader.

Glacial period

The canyon, which seems to date before the glacial period, remained hidden under two kilometers of ice for over 4 million years. Its characteristics indicate that the formation may have been the channel of an old river. Bamber believes the ice did not change the original aspects of the canyon.

But what really impresses is how such a large formation endured without being discovered for so long. The new canyon is twice the length, half the depth and the same width of the famous Grand Canyon in the United States. It appears that the discovery is the largest geological formation in Greenland.

“This is amazing. At a time when Google Street View covers the entire inhabited world and every house is virtually mapped - in this context, discovering a geological formation of this scale is impressive, ”said Jonathan Bamber.

Beyond all the questions about the geography of Greenland, surely the news makes us realize that we do not know everything that exists on the surface of our planet.