A giganewton (GN) quantifies an immense amount of force, equal to 10⁹ newtons. To put it in perspective, one giganewton is roughly the gravitational force exerted by a mass of 100,000 metric tons. Engineers and physicists use this unit when calculating tectonic plate forces, designing the foundations of mega-structures, or evaluating the thrust of large-scale aerospace concepts.
Heard on the job
The shear forces on the base of the ice shelf are estimated to exceed two giganewtons.