Scientists discover new island - 13th September 2021

A group of scientists have found the world's most northern island, near the coast of Greenland. Greenland is in the Arctic and it belongs to Denmark.

This new island is the closest piece of land to the North Pole. It is only 30 metres wide and 60 metres long and it hasn't got a name yet.

The Swiss-Danish team had hoped to visit Oodaaq. Six scientists travelled by helicopter to the island, which was discovered in 1978. Before this, Oodaaq was considered the most northern island. The team wanted to do some research into the island's environment. But when they reached the location of Oodaaq, they could not find it.

Maps of this area are incomplete. The scientists looked for the island but landed in a strange place. After they returned, they realised that they had discovered a totally new island. This one is 800 metres further north than Oodaaq.

Sadly, the island is only around three metres above sea level. They'd like to name it, but worry the island might soon disappear.