Uncovering the Secrets of Camp Century: A Hidden Nuclear Base in the Arctic
NASA's UAVSAR system has uncovered Camp Century, a Cold War nuclear base buried under Greenland's ice for over 60 years. This finding reveals geopolitical history and raises environmental concerns about radioactive waste. As climate change accelerates ice melt, its impacts on contaminated sites and Arctic ecosystems become increasingly critical to address.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
Deep beneath the ice sheet of Greenland lies a secret that has been hidden for over 60 years. Camp Century, a nuclear-powered military base built by the United States during the Cold War, has been rediscovered by NASA's Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) system. The base, which was abandoned in 1967, is a relic of a bygone era, but its discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the Arctic environment and the impact of climate change.
The Discovery
The UAVSAR system, which uses radar waves to penetrate the ice sheet and map the underlying terrain, was not specifically designed to detect Camp Century. However, during a routine survey of the Greenland ice sheet, the system picked up an unusual signal that indicated the presence of a man-made structure. Further analysis revealed the outline of a city, complete with buildings and roads, buried beneath 30 meters of ice.
Table: Key Facts about Camp Century
Year
Event
1959
Camp Century is built by the US Army Corps of Engineers
1967
The base is abandoned due to the high cost of maintenance and the risk of nuclear accidents
2019
NASA's UAVSAR system detects the presence of Camp Century beneath the ice sheet
The Base
Camp Century was a remarkable feat of engineering, built to withstand the extreme conditions of the Arctic environment. The base was powered by a nuclear reactor, which provided energy for the 200 soldiers who lived and worked there. However, the reactor also produced 47,000 gallons of radioactive waste, which were buried on site when the base was abandoned.
List: Environmental Concerns
- The radioactive waste buried at Camp Century poses a significant environmental risk if it is not properly contained
- The melting of the ice sheet due to climate change could expose the waste and contaminate the surrounding environment
- The base's nuclear reactor and other infrastructure could also be affected by the melting ice, leading to further environmental damage
The Significance of the Discovery
The discovery of Camp Century is significant not only because of its historical importance but also because of its relevance to our understanding of the Arctic environment and the impact of climate change. The base's location beneath the ice sheet makes it a unique laboratory for studying the effects of climate change on the environment.
Table: Climate Change Impacts on the Arctic
Impact
Description
Sea ice melting
The Arctic ice sheet is melting at an alarming rate, with significant implications for global sea levels and ocean currents
Glacier retreat
Glaciers in the Arctic are retreating at an unprecedented rate, leading to changes in sea levels and ocean chemistry
Permafrost thawing
The thawing of permafrost in the Arctic is releasing methane and other greenhouse gases, accelerating climate change
Conclusion
The discovery of Camp Century is a reminder of the significant environmental impacts of human activities, particularly in the Arctic region. The base's history and the challenges it poses for environmental remediation serve as a warning about the importance of responsible management of the Arctic environment. As the ice sheet continues to melt, it is essential that we learn from the past and take steps to mitigate the effects of climate change on this fragile ecosystem.
