Camp Century and Its Legacy

Camp Century, built by the US Army in Greenland during the Cold War, was an underground base designed for military and scientific purposes. It housed the first long ice core, revealing Earth's climate history. Despite its scientific contributions, the base faced structural challenges and was abandoned in 1967. The remnants, including nuclear waste, are now threatened by climate change, posing environmental risks.

What was the primary construction challenge faced by Camp Century?

• Limited workforce

• Lack of building materials

• Ice movement and pressure

• Extreme cold temperatures

What was unique about the nuclear reactor at Camp Century?

• It was built entirely underground

• It was the first portable nuclear reactor

• It was the largest reactor in the world

• It was powered by solar energy

What was the main scientific achievement of Camp Century?

• Mapping of Greenland's ice sheet

• Development of new drilling technology

• First long ice core extraction

• Discovery of a new ice age

How did the ice core from Camp Century contribute to climate science?

• It predicted future climate patterns

• It revealed new isotopes of hydrogen

• It provided a continuous climate record

• It showed the effects of recent climate change

What was the original military purpose of Camp Century?

• To monitor Soviet activities

• To act as a communication hub

• To store nuclear missiles

• To serve as a training base

Why was Camp Century eventually abandoned?

• The location was too remote

• The reactor failed

• The Cold War ended

• The ice tunnels were collapsing

What environmental concern is associated with the abandoned Camp Century?

• Melting ice exposing nuclear waste

• Increased volcanic activity

• Rising sea levels

• Loss of biodiversity

What has radar shown about the current state of Camp Century?

• It is buried under less ice

• It is now a tourist attraction

• It is completely melted

• It has moved westward

By what year is Camp Century's waste expected to be exposed due to melting ice?

• 2050

• 2090

• 2110

• 2070

What lesson does Camp Century teach us about climate change?

• Climate change is a natural cycle

• Human activities have no impact

• Ice may not last forever

• Ice sheets are permanent