A research team has uncovered plant and insect remains in Greenland, providing evidence that the region was once lush and green millions of years ago. These findings were discovered beneath a three-kilometer-thick ice core, located in the middle of the island, according to a report from Science Alert on Friday, August 9, 2024.

Key Points: 

• Unexpectedly, researchers uncovered remnants of various life forms in the ice core, including spikemoss spores, fungi, insect compound eyes, and poppy seeds. These findings imply that the region once hosted a vibrant tundra ecosystem.
• "We saw those fossils within an hour, maybe half an hour after working on it." Quote by Paul Bierman

Courtesy Photo Source: Annie Spratt on Unsplash

The ice core, known as GISP 2, was originally drilled in 1993, more than 30 years ago, but previous studies had only focused on the rocks and ice. Until now, no one had considered searching for fossils in the sediment mixture at the base of the ice, as the idea that Greenland had once been green was largely unexpected.

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Courtesy Photo Source: Juan Cruz Mountford on Unsplash

Surprisingly, the researchers found traces of plants and insects, including spikemoss spores, fungi, compound eyes of insects, and poppy seeds. These discoveries suggest that a dynamic tundra ecosystem once existed in the region.

Paul Bierman, the lead author of the study from the University of Vermont, described the moment of discovery to AFP, stating, "We saw those fossils within an hour, maybe half an hour after working on it."

Halley Mastro, a co-author and graduate student at the University of Vermont, emphasized the need for further research, suggesting that drilling deeper into Greenland's ice core could reveal more ancient organisms, potentially offering insights into humanity's future.

The study also highlights the potential for greater global sea level rise than previously estimated, attributed to human activities.

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