83-42
83-42 is the name for a small patch of rock, above sea level, located in the Arctic Ocean, which if confirmed may be the northernmost permanent point of land on Earth. It is also sometimes referred to as Schmitt’s Island, after its discoverer.[1][2]
It is 35 by 15 metres (115 by 49 ft) in length and width, and it lies at 83°42′05.2″N 30°38′49.4″W / 83.701444°N 30.647056°W, which is 699.8 kilometres (434.8 mi) from the North Pole.[3] Discovered in 1998, it is 4 metres (13 ft) high, and lichens were found growing on it, suggesting it was not one of the temporary gravel bars commonly found in that region.
The Oodaaq Island, at 83°40′N 30°40′W / 83.667°N 30.667°W is another semi-permanent gravel bank claimed as northernmost.
All of these small islands, with the possible exception of 83-42, are not permanent. Waves and ice shifts gravel banks around in these shallow waters. The northernmost permanent land, according to established science, is Kaffeklubben Island, at 83°40′N 29°50′W / 83.667°N 29.833°W.
References
- ^ Charles Burress (June 17, 2004). "Romancing the North". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved September 23, 2011.
- ^ Richard Fisher (April 25, 2007). "A new Arctic island is born into our warming world". New Scientist. Retrieved September 23, 2011.
- ^ http://listverse.com/2009/12/18/10-unique-and-amazing-places-on-earth/