5 Most Amazing Google Earth Finds
Columbus and Magellan had it rough. Exploration these days
is quite literally an armchair activity, as high-resolution satellite images
and tools like Google Earth make it possible for anyone with an Internet connection
to pore over the globe with a fine-toothed comb. There are entire online
communities devoted to finding and cataloging the most unusual locales
worldwide, creating 21st century atlases of minutiae. It isn't just for
hobbyists, either — Google Earth has helped scientists find previously unknown
ruins and police locate clandestine marijuana fields. Here are 5 of the most
unusual discoveries.
1.
Iraq’s Bloody Lake
This blood-red lake in Iraq
has led to scary rumours that it has been caused by a nearby slaughterhouse
that is responsible for an insane amount of bloodshed. An official explanation
has never actually been offered but sceptics believe that it is most likely the
cause of sewage in the water that has turned it into this polluted colour. The
jury’s still out on this one.
2.
Face in the Clay
This amazing shot was taken over Alberta, Canada. Quite
clearly a face can be seen in what appears to be Native American headdress. The
face has since been nicknamed the “Badlands Guardian”. The face is made up
eroded clay in a valley. Some people have said that it looks like the head is
wearing earphones. That sight is actually a road and an oil well.
3.
Heart-Shaped Island
It’s located in the Adriatic off the
Croatian coast and is currently uninhabited. It’s 130,000 square yards in size
and has been named Galesnjak.
4.
Lost Ship At Sea
The S.S. Jassim was a Bolivian cargo ferry that ran aground
and sunk on the Wingate Reef off the coast of Sudan in 2003.
5. Swastika
The Coronado Naval Amphibious Base in San Diego was built back in 1967. Little did
the architect and builders know though that an aerial shot taken by Google
Earth in 2007 would unfortunately reveal that the four unconnected buildings
form the shape of a swastika. Horrified by the revelation the Navy are now
spending $600,000 to disguise the shape.