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The most northerly island in the world
Photo: JULIAN CHARRIERE / VIA REUTERS
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a small island further north than any other piece of land in the world.
The island was previously probably hidden under pack ice, it was said.
Nevertheless, the find is not a direct result of global warming, which is generally shrinking Greenland's ice sheet.
The discovery of the as yet unnamed islet, about 30 by 60 meters in size, was apparently pure coincidence.
"We were convinced that the island we were standing on is Oodaaq," said Research Director Morten Rasch.
He had traveled to the north coast of Greenland with a sample collection team.
He only found out about his mistake when he posted pictures and coordinates on the Internet.
"A number of American island hunters went nuts and said that could not be true," says the head of the Department of Earth Sciences and Natural Resource Management.
Island hunters are people whose hobby is to discover previously unknown islands.
A check of the coordinates revealed that Oodaaq is actually around 800 meters south of the place where Rasch and his team disembarked.
"In reality we have discovered a new island, a find that enlarges the Kingdom of Denmark a little bit," said Rasch.
The scientist warned that the newly discovered island might not last long.
It consists mainly of small accumulations of mud and gravel.
It is likely the result of a storm.
“Nobody knows how long she'll be here.
In principle, it could disappear as soon as another mighty storm comes. "
If the island defies the weather, Morton would have a suggestion for a name.
He would then like to baptize the island Qeqertaq Avannarleq.
ssu / dpa
