Researchers in Canada have discovered the remains of a glacier in permafrost dating back possibly over a million years. The accidental find, preserved on Bylot Island in Nunavut, is a frozen time capsule that could offer insights into Earth's ancient climate and history.
Researchers have made an incredible discovery in the Canadian Arctic : the remains of an ancient glacier that could be more than a million years old.
Found preserved in permafrost on Bylot Island in Nunavut, Canada, the glacier was an accidental discovery. Daniel Fortier, a geomorphologist at the University of Montreal, had been studying a fossilized forest on the island with colleagues in 2009. Melting permafrost caused landslides in the area, revealing a translucent layer of ice just above the fossilized forest. Fortier toldthat he was surprised when carbon dating showed that the organic matter trapped in the glacier was over 60,000 years old.
However, research on the fossilized forest beneath suggests that the glacier could be even older. The forest is estimated to be around 2.8 to 2.5 million years old, which could also be the glacier's maximum age. The discovery of the remnants of this glacier is significant as it's essentially a frozen time capsule. The glacier could contain trapped particulates and gas bubbles, offering a glimpse of Earth's ancient history. It could also give researchers insight into the climate of over a million years ago."I don't think permafrost will disappear so fast. The system is more resilient than we think," he said.
Glacier Arctic Permafrost Ancient Climate Discovery
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ancient Lead Pollution Found in Greece, Dating Back 5,200 YearsResearchers have discovered the oldest evidence of lead pollution in the environment, dating back 5,200 years, in sediment cores from mainland Greece and the Aegean Sea. This discovery predates previous findings by 1,200 years and sheds light on the impact of ancient metalworking practices on the environment. The study suggests that lead contamination was relatively localized during ancient Greece's Bronze Age, Classical period, and Hellenistic period but increased significantly around 2,150 years ago, coinciding with the Roman conquest of Greece and a surge in demand for silver.
Read more »
Canadian Sports News Roundup: Taylor's Triumph, Canadian Curling Trials, and MoreThis roundup covers a range of Canadian sports news, including Nick Taylor's victory at the Sony Open, updates on the Canadian mixed doubles curling trials, and more.
Read more »
Aritzia, Canadian Tire, Lululemon among Canadian retailers shifting production outside ChinaShoppers come and go from a Canadian Tire store in Ottawa on Aug. 11, 2023.
Read more »
Trump Hints at February Tariffs on Canadian Goods, While Canadian Politicians Back Away from Carbon PricingThis article covers several news stories from The Canadian Press. It starts with US President Donald Trump's suggestion of 25% tariffs on Canadian imports by February 1st, despite earlier indications of a study on trade practices. The article also discusses the three frontrunners in the Liberal leadership race shifting away from the Liberal government's carbon pricing policy. Other news covered includes Statistics Canada's upcoming release of December's inflation figures, thawing permafrost in the Arctic tundra, and a focus on the benefits of small care homes for long-term residents.
Read more »
Trump to Implement Tariffs on Canadian Goods, Prompting Canadian ResponseU.S. President Donald Trump's inauguration speech signaled his intention to impose tariffs on Canadian goods, reversing earlier reports that suggested a delay. Canadian officials have expressed preparedness for this move, outlining plans to defend Canadian interests and jobs.
Read more »
Canadian veteran known as ‘Canadian Dave’ released by Taliban months after arrestDavid Lavery, a former Canadian Armed Forces soldier, has been safely flown out of Taliban hands, as a Qatari official confirmed he landed in Doha.
Read more »