A Strange Arctic Noise

In the Nunavut region of Northern Canada, hunters are reporting a strange pinging noise in the Fury and Hecla strait. A popular fishing and trapping area for the natives, the strait is seeing a large decline in the sea activity. Whales and seals would often pass through the area but very few were spotted over the summer months. Some described the noise as a pinging sound while others described it as a low humming sound. Canadian defense forces are reportedly investigating the source of the noise. Now the question is, what is the source of the pinging sound?

A boat passing through the Fury and Hecla strait.

For now, the honest answer is no one knows. For the most part, any answers that were proposed were simply speculation. However, some ideas make a decent amount of sense. The first idea proposed of the source was from a mining company. The Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation was known for offshore mining around this area, but were not allowed in Nunavut land. When asked, the company denies any involvement. The second theory is an environmental organization called Greenpeace. Some hunters have accused Greenpeace of setting up some sort of sonar device to scare the animals away from hunters. Like the Baffinland Corp, Greenpeace has denied any involvement.

greenpeace

Greenpeace logo

Both the Baffinland and Greenpeace theories have a mostly logical backing, but some ideas have abandoned logic all together. Although sometimes sarcastically, some have suggested a sea monster such as the famous Cthulhu. The cult deity was created by H.P. Lovecraft but there might just be a small chance that he lurks below the arctic waters. But, what this theory lacks in logic and facts attempts to make up for it by invoking an ancient sea creature. Therefore, the likelihood of the pinging coming from Cthulhu is not high.

cthulhu

Cthulhu

Crazy theories aside, what is the most likely cause of the pinging noise? If I had to select one, I would side with an environmental group being the cause. The theory makes the most sense to me, as the noise is effective in scaring away the hunter’s prey. However, as all the recent articles are just covering this story last month, it might be awhile before the true answer is known.

Works Cited

Deamer, Kacey. “Stranger Pings: Weird Noise Coming from Arctic Seafloor.” LiveScience. Purch, 7                       Nov. 2016. Web. 1 Dec. 2016.

Haynes, Suyin. “A Mysterious ‘Ping’ Is Coming from Deep in the Arctic.” Time. Time, 4 Nov. 2016.                       Web. 01 Dec. 2016.

Mowat, Laura. “‘We Haven’t a Clue’ Curious ‘pinging’ Noise Coming from Arctic Seafloor Baffles                         Officials.” Express.co.uk. N.p., 01 Dec. 2016. Web. 01 Dec. 2016.

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