Status: 08/28/2021 4:14 p.m.
It measures just 30 by 60 meters and looks like a sandbank: A research group from Denmark has discovered what is possibly the northernmost island on earth – but the days of which may soon be numbered again.
Oodaaq is the name of the island that has previously been able to claim to be the closest piece of land to the North Pole. Now, at best, the place can still achieve Scrabble records – after all, 17 points and a Q without a U built in! – contribute, but has to cede this title to a newly discovered, previously nameless land mass: During an expedition in northern Greenland, scientists happened upon the small island, which is 780 meters north of Oodaaq.
At best for friends of buckets and shovels: the newly discovered island
PICTURED: VIA REUTERS
However, the tourist potential of the record island is rather clear: It consists mainly of small accumulations of mud and gravel, which even die-hard New Island fans – yes, such “island hunters” really do exist – hardly worth the logistical effort they should visit . The climate that prevails 700 kilometers from the North Pole is also unlikely to be attractive for very few holidaymakers.
Oodaaq has to get used to a new northern neighbor – at least for a while.
In addition, the days of the mud pile could soon be numbered: The scientists believe it is possible that it belongs to the category of “islands with a short lifespan”. In principle, the island could disappear as soon as a severe storm comes, says the expedition leader and geoscientist Morten Rasch. After all, in his opinion, the find slightly enlarges his home country Denmark. At least as long as it hasn’t been washed away.