The Greenland ice was created by a sharp drop in CO2 concentration. Why is Antarctica covered with glaciers? Why is Greenland covered in glaciers
According to one saying
"If you have seen the whole world,
there's always Greenland."
1. Greenland is the most big Island in the world. It is located between Europe and America, 740 km from the North Pole. Greenland has an area of 2,130,800 km², of which 410,400 km² are ice-free to some extent. The length of the island from north to south is 2690 km, the maximum width is 1300 km.
2. Geographically, this country belongs to North America, but politically it is considered a self-governing province of Denmark. Although the area of Greenland is 50 times larger than Denmark, the number of inhabitants of the island does not exceed the population of a small city. The reason for this is the cold - most of the island is covered with a layer of ice almost 2 miles (3 km) thick.
3. The population of Greenland is 56,890, which gives a population density of 0.027/km².
4. Almost all residents live on the southwest coast, on a narrow coastal strip between the ice sheet and the sea, because the climate is milder here. The main peoples on the territory of Greenland are the Greenlandic Eskimos (in the local language - Inuit), which make up about 90% of the total population. The remaining 10% are mostly Danes and other Europeans.
5. The Eskimos were the first people to settle in Greenland. Around 985 CE. e. Vikings from Norway and Iceland arrived here and named this ice-covered island Greenland ("green land") in order to attract more settlers to it. Since 1380, Greenland has been under Danish rule almost all the time, but in 1979 it was granted the right to internal self-government.
6. Europeans call the locals Eskimos, which is not entirely true - the term "Eskimo" ("raw food") was born in the languages of the Indian tribes of North America and gradually began to be used to refer to the Inuit tribes of the continental United States and Canada, to which the inhabitants of Greenland do not belong.
7. Administratively, the country is divided into 3 districts (landsdele) - Avanna (Nordgrönland), Tunu (Ostgrönland) and Kita (Westgrönland), subdivided, in turn, into 18 municipalities.
8. The capital of Greenland - Nuuk (Gothob), is the largest settlement of the island. The city is a very unusual "fusion" of old European architecture, a few examples of the original Greenlandic school of urban planning and huge (and rather faceless) residential areas built according to the block principle. From a bird's eye view, the city looks like it was built from a children's Lego constructor, and the only pleasant exception in its appearance are the old quarters of Kolonyhavnen - the historical core of Nuuk.
9. The flag of Greenland was adopted in 1985 and has a red and white flag, which symbolizes the political connection of the island with Denmark. The figures depicted on the flag of Greenland, according to one version, personify the setting and rising Greenland sun, according to the other, the red half of the circle is the fjords of Greenland, the white one is icebergs, the red and white background illustrates the ocean and the ice cover.
10. The coat of arms of Greenland is an image polar bear on a blue shield. The blue color represents the geographical position of Greenland (between two oceans), and the polar bear, being one of the symbols of the island, characterizes the fauna of Greenland.
11. The territory of Greenland is divided into four time zones. Time in the capital Nuuk and most major cities on the south coast is 6 hours behind Moscow.
12. The climate of the coasts is maritime, subarctic and arctic; in the area of the ice sheet - continental arctic. The island is often crossed by cyclones, accompanied by strong winds, sudden changes in temperature and precipitation. From the vastness of the ice sheet almost all year round strong katabatic winds blow, the speed of which sometimes reaches 60-70 meters per second.
13. The average January temperature on the coast is from -7 ° C in the south to -36 ° C in the north, in July - from +10 ° C in the south to +3 ° C in the northwest. In the center of Greenland, the average temperature in February is -47 ° C (absolute minimum -70 ° C), in July -12 ° C. In summer, the daytime temperature sometimes rises to +21°С, but often even during this period in the central regions of the island it barely exceeds 0°С (on the coasts, especially on the western coast, the air warms up much better).
14. The average annual rainfall in the south is about 1080 mm, in the capital - up to 600 mm, in the far north - 100-200 mm. The maximum amount of precipitation occurs in the autumn-winter period, but at any time of the year, due to the instability of the local weather, it can snow.
15. If the ice of Greenland completely melted, then the world sea level would rise by 7 meters.
16. The territory of Greenland could accommodate England with Scotland and Wales, France, Italy, Holland, Belgium and Norway.
17. The thickness of the ice shell covering Greenland is an average of one and a half thousand meters.
18. The highest peak in Greenland and the entire Arctic is Gunbjorn, 3,700 m.
19. Occupations of the population - hunting, fishing.
20. Official language: Greenlandic. The Home Rule Act prescribes the general study of the Danish language
21. Political system - parliamentary democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy
22. The head of state is the Queen of Denmark (from January 14, 1972 - Margrethe II), represented by the High Commissioner (from January 31, 2011 - Mikaela Engel, Mikaela Engell)
23. Parliament - unicameral Landstinget (31 deputies are elected by secret ballot on a proportional basis, the term of office is 4 years). Parliament is responsible for all matters of domestic policy and legislation (Denmark remained in charge of foreign policy, defense, justice and finance). The people of Greenland elect two representatives to the Danish Parliament, the Folketing.
24. Currency: Danish krone (designated DKK according to the ISO standard, domestically kr.), in 1 krone 100 øre. 1 DKK = 5.28 RUB, 10 DKK = 1.66 USD.
25. Most locals receive money directly on a credit card, so using them is not difficult. ATMs are found in abundance in all settlements, and most of them freely accept cards from the world's leading payment systems (Diners Club, VISA, Eurocheque Card, Eurocard / Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, Dankort, etc.), issuing crowns on them.
26. The price level on the island is quite high. Greenland independently provides itself only with fish and seafood, as well as some meat products - everything else has to be imported, which naturally affects prices. Even compared to the far from cheap Scandinavian countries, prices here are approximately 10% higher, and alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, dairy products, vegetable oil, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables are 14-20% more expensive. At the same time, the assortment of goods in stores is no less than in any of the European countries.
27. You can easily eat in a cafe for 25 DKK (~$4.1) - 60 DKK (~$9.8), lunch in a restaurant will cost 60 DKK (~$9.8) - 120 DKK (~$19.7) and more , and in the institution high level- 120 DKK (~$19.7) - 250 DKK (~$41.0). It is quite possible to find a budget hotel for 120 DKK (~$19.7) - 350 DKK (~$57.4) per night, mid-range hotels will cost 350 DKK (~$57.4) - 900 DKK (~$147.6), and high-class hotels are already asking for their services up to 900 DKK (~ $ 147.6) - 1500 DKK (~ $ 246.0) per day (quite modern hotels are available in almost all major cities). Transport services and fuel, electricity, all local goods and souvenirs, as well as many luxury items are very expensive.
The cost of service is usually included in the bill, additional tips are rare.
28. Internet domain zone.gl
29. Internet services on the island are excellent - Greenland is one of the world's leading users of network services in terms of per capita. High-speed network access terminals and Wi-Fi hotspots are installed in all hotels, post offices and office complexes. Internet cafes are found in abundance in all localities, in tourist offices and some public libraries.
30. The cellular communication system covers almost all the settlements of the coastal regions of the island and the adjacent island groups (reception is unstable only in the central regions). Roaming with the local operator TELE Greenland A/S is available to subscribers of the largest Russian operators through foreign partners of this company.
31. Most of the historical collections of the capital are concentrated in the National Museum of Greenland. Here is a unique collection of objects and documents covering the past of the island over the past four and a half thousand years, including a unique mummy from Kilakitsok (approximately XIV-XV centuries), extensive exhibitions of folk costume, vehicles (including various dog teams , kayaks and umiaks of all ages), traditional tools, arts and crafts items and a large geological exposition.
32. In the capital of Greenland, Nuuk, south of the city tourist office, on the very shore of the Baffin Sea, there is the famous Santa Claus House with its post office and office.
33. In the city of Qaqortoq there is a square city fountain, the only one in Greenland, decorated at the base with copper tablets with the names of the city burghers (although many of the tablets "fell victims" of souvenir hunters).
34. Just a few hours by boat or boat to the northeast of Qaqortoq is the best preserved and most extensive medieval Norwegian settlement on the island - Hvalsey (Hvalsi). Hvalsey is even mentioned in the ancient Icelandic chronicle Flateyarbik as a place where witches were burned in the early 15th century, and also as the only place where marriages took place between Inuit and colonists. However, only the ruins of several dozen houses and the most picturesque Hvalsei church have survived to this day.
35. The city of Upernavik, located in the fjords of the Baffin Sea on the west coast of Greenland, 800 km north of the Arctic Circle, is one of the northernmost cities on the planet and the northernmost ferry crossing in the world. This is a very beautiful, but harsh place - the locals even have a saying: "You won't even guess what real cold is until you visit Upernavik."
36. The name of the city of Upernavik is translated in a rather funny manner as "Spring Place". Considering that the average summer temperature here is no more than +5°C, this is rather strange. However, scientists argue that when the first settlers chose this place, the climate was much milder, and therefore the city then justified its name (like the whole of Greenland). With the onset of the general cooling of the climate, which occurred in the 16th-18th centuries, it turned into one of the coldest inhabited places on the planet. Here, hunting for a polar bear and a sea animal, which is prohibited almost everywhere in the world and, as an exception, allowed to local residents, is one of the few ways to feed a family here.
37. A popular three-hour excursion from the highest peak of Upernavik - Inusussak, to the northern tip of the island - Nayarsuit, passes through an absolutely magical landscape. Stones interspersed with colored minerals of all colors and shades, veins of natural graphite, unique acoustics of the valleys, allowing the whisper to spread for many kilometers - all this can be seen and felt only here.
38. To the west of the city of Ilulissat, 300 km north of the Arctic Circle and 600 km north of the capital, the waters of Disko Bay splash, which is perhaps the most famous bay in Greenland. This is a real "land of icebergs" - up to a thousand ice mountains of all sizes as coastal glaciers slide into the sea at up to 30 meters per day, producing up to 7 million tons of ice every day! This enchanting picture, only intensified in the summer by the sun that does not set in these parts, makes Disko Bay and the five towns located on its shores one of the most beautiful places planets.
39. In Greenland there is Mount Umanak - a natural formation of stunning beauty and the most unusual colors. The mountain is an ancient gneiss base of the continental shield, rising up in an alternation of black, white and red rock layers that change shades of color depending on the lighting. Although the mountain looks completely inaccessible, several expeditions have nevertheless climbed to the top, but for most visitors it is enough just to see this unique natural formation, the only analogue of which is Mount Uluru in Australia.
40. The southern part of the island is similar to the Norwegian fjords - the same alternation of countless bays, islands, stone ridges and tiny coastal lowlands, the same harsh and majestic nature, the same lead-gray sea.
41. The southernmost city of Greenland - Nanortalik is literally surrounded by a wall of rocks rising into the sky (they are called "skyscrapers" here), steep peaks and mountain walls framing magnificent fjords. This is a real Mecca for fans of outdoor activities and extreme sports, climbers will find a lot of interesting things here - Ketil and Ulmaretorsuak mountains are suitable even for experienced athletes.
42. In Greenland is the fastest moving glacier in the world (Jakobshavn), moving at a speed of about 30 meters per day.
43. In the summer, the country has quite strong solar radiation - the sun stays in the sky almost around the clock, and its rays are reflected both from the surface of glaciers and from the sea. It is worth having sunscreen, cream and good glasses, hats, as well as light scarves or scarves covering the neck.
44. A few things are forbidden in the country: taking pictures in churches during services, as well as local residents without consent, fishing without a license (from 75 DKK for 1 day, up to 500 DKK for a month) and littering.
45. Best time to visit the country - during the polar "white nights" from May to July or for lovers of winter fun - in April.
46. There are no roads and railways between cities in Greenland. Therefore, you can get from one end of the island to the other either by water or by air. Closely located cities and towns communicate with each other by means of snowmobiles and dog teams, if the weather permits.
47. Air Greenland, the national airline, operates many plane and helicopter flights throughout the island. Dash-7 type aircraft can carry 50 passengers at a time and fly at an altitude of 4-5 km above sea level, which guarantees fantastic views of glaciers and snowdrifts. Helicopters mostly fly between cities located in the south of the country.
48. Another popular way to travel around Greenland is by ship. The Sarfaq Ittuk passenger ship of the Arctic Umiaq Line operates regular services from April to December between the city of Narsarsuaq in the south of the country and Ilulissat in the north. During summer season better to book in advance.
49. Souvenirs from Greenland are unique works of art: they are not made in China, they are not created according to one pattern, but handmade by craftsmen, which is why they are quite expensive. The most popular souvenir is a figurine of tupilak (tupilak), which, according to local belief, means “spirit”. Today they are made from completely different materials: teeth, bones, stones or wood, and they can be found everywhere in shops and tourist offices in large cities. However, it should be borne in mind that tupilaks made from whale teeth cannot be exported.
50. Jewelry and jewelry made from local stones are also popular. For example, tugtupit, which is distinguished by rich pink or purple flowers, is born in the only place on Earth - the city of Narsaq, in southern Greenland. Particularly beautiful are the nuummit (shine dark brown) and grønlanditten stone, which has a fresh green hue. When buying a cute bracelet or beads, ask the sellers to issue a CITES certificate, which will allow you to take the jewelry out of Greenland.
51. No matter how terrible it may sound, but the traditional Greenlandic cuisine does not provide for any heat treatment of products. If it is whale skin with a layer of fat (mattak delicacy), then they eat it fresh, just, excuse me, skinned. Adventurers, of course, can easily find restaurants offering some of the country's national dishes. A delicacy of the national cuisine is a mixture of partridge droppings with seal fat ... A dish that is quite popular in these places, which includes narwhal fat, water, walrus brain and fermented grass extracted from the first stomach of a reindeer. However, the more European-minded stomachs of tourists will not remain empty either: in recent years, traditional cooking methods have been increasingly receding under the onslaught of international cuisine and fast food.
52. Fish and seafood in Greenlandic cuisine are used in almost all forms - raw, salted, pickled, dried, baked in ash. The assortment also includes delicacies - dried halibut and ammasat, cod liver, shrimp and crabs in all forms, as well as shark meat and seabird eggs.
53. Popular drinks - black tea and tea with milk (which often replaces the first course, with added fat, salt and spices), deer milk, "kaffemic" - a specific Greenlandic coffee that is made from coffee, sugar and three types of alcohol with whipped cream (often it is also set on fire when serving).
54. Greenland National Park, located in the northeast of the island, is the largest and most inaccessible nature reserve on the planet. In addition, it has been closed to outside researchers for many years. UNESCO recently included it in the list of biosphere reserves of world importance, and not without reason - the park has a vast zone of relict tundra, which is home to musk oxen, polar bears, polar wolves and a wide variety of arctic plants.
55. At present, Greenland remains one of the few places on the planet that has been little affected by human activities, a place of fantastic opportunities both for extreme species recreation and sports, and for ecological tourism. Extensive tundra, picturesque coastline with its fjords and pristine coastlines, monstrous glaciers that “give birth” to icebergs right before the eyes of observers, year-round opportunities for ice-climbing, snowboarding and skiing, unique (albeit scarce) nature, a sea rich in living creatures, silent Inuit with their unique culture and fantastic adaptability to the most severe local conditions - all this constantly attracts more and more tourists here.
MOSCOW, August 28 - RIA Novosti. The main reason for the appearance of the glacier 3 million years ago, which now covers the entire territory of Greenland, was a drop in the concentration carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, according to a paper published Thursday by British scientists in the journal Nature.
According to experts, understanding the causes of the formation of the Greenland glacier will help to understand its possible response to future climate change.
The authors of the study, scientists from the universities of Bristol and Leeds, used computer simulations to test a number of hypotheses about the causes of the Greenland glacier and came to the conclusion that only an increase in carbon dioxide content can explain the transformation of ice-free Greenland into the current ice-bound island.
According to one of the authors of the study, Dr. Dan Lunt (Dan Lunt) from Bristol, about 3 million years ago, the amount of rock fragments in the bottom sediments around Greenland increased. They could not appear until the mass appearance of icebergs, which "scraped" this rock from the surface of the island into the ocean.
"This suggests that significant amounts of ice began to appear in Greenland only 3 million years ago. Before that, Greenland was mostly ice-free and possibly covered with grass and forests. In addition, the concentration of carbon dioxide was relatively high. Question , which we wanted to answer - why did Greenland get an ice sheet?" - says Lant, whose words are quoted in the message of the university.
There are several theories explaining the appearance of the Greenland glacier.
According to one of them, the ice in Greenland appeared due to the appearance of the Isthmus of Panama, which connected South and North America 13-2.5 million years ago. The disappearance of the Panama Strait led to an increase in the difference in salinity between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and an increase in humidity in the northern part of the Atlantic. As a result, the amount of snow falling in the Greenland region increased sharply, and the growth of the glacier began.
Another theory links the formation of Greenland ice with tectonic changes - the growth of the Rocky Mountains and the Himalayas, which led to a change in atmospheric circulation.
A number of researchers attribute the emergence of a glacier to a change in the circulation of the ocean, others to a change in the Earth's orbit, and still others to a natural change in the concentration of greenhouse gases.
Using state-of-the-art computer models of climate and glacier dynamics, Lant and his colleagues set out to test which of these theories best fits reality.
Although the results showed that climate change associated with changes in ocean circulation and tectonic uplifts affected the Greenland ice sheet, and the amount of ice also depended on Earth orbital fluctuations, none of these factors were strong enough to make a significant contribution to long-term growth of the Greenland glacier.
The study showed that the main cause of the Greenlandic glaciation was the drop in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere to levels close to pre-industrial levels. The current level of carbon dioxide concentration is approaching the level when Greenland was mostly ice-free.
Dr Alan Haywood from the University of Leeds adds that the reasons for the rise in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are still unclear.
"This is the million dollar question that researchers will no doubt be looking for the answer to over the next few years," he says.
Greenland is an autonomous province of Denmark, although it is geographically located in the northeastern part of North America. In the east, the island is washed by the Greenland Sea, in the west by the Baffin Sea, in the south by the Labrador Sea, and in the north by the Arctic Oceans. The capital of Greenland is (another option is Gotthob). The name of the island translates as "green country", which is at least strange for a place, most of which is covered with glaciers. But this is now, and in 982 the island abounded with vegetation, it was then that it was discovered by Eric Raud, who gave such a name.
Greenland is a green country
The total area of Greenland is 2,130,800 sq.m., the population of the island is about 58,000 people, and the currency is the Danish krone. Due to the topography of this area, transport network functions only within settlements and their surroundings. You can move between cities with the help of snowmobiles and dog sleds. Railways no, but maritime shipping and air transportation are developed. Greenland on the map is the largest island-state in the world, most of which is covered with glaciers and where you can see the northern lights.
At the moment, even scientists cannot determine exactly why Greenland is covered with glaciers. After all, once this island could be covered with greenery. But still, climatologists are inclined to the version that glaciation occurred due to a sharp drop in the carbon dioxide content in the air. There are also versions about changing ocean currents, tectonic changes such as the growth of the Rocky Mountains and the Himalayas.
Greenland, top view
Greenland is an amazing place on the planet, amazing with the diversity of the natural world. Vegetation can only be found in the south of the island, where mountain ash, dwarf birch, alder, juniper and willow grow. The northern part is covered with creeping lichens. The fauna of the island is unique, there are arctic foxes, polar wolves and polar bears, as well as rare endangered species - musk oxen and caribou deer. The world of birds is also diverse; white owls, barnacle goose, eiders, etc. live in Greenland. More than 30 species of marine life and about 120 species of fish live in coastal waters.
Climate, glaciers and local population
Greenland has a rather harsh climate: in summer the average temperature is +10 ° C, but it can often stay at zero. In winter, temperatures can range from -7°C to (in places) -45°C. The coldest place is in the eastern part of the island, in winter the average temperature here is -27 °C. The west coast is the warmest on the island, the climate in Greenland in summer in this region is mild, the air can even warm up to +20 ° С. Fogs are not uncommon on the island, especially in the summer. Also due to the melting of glaciers in Greenland, there is such a frequent phenomenon as the separation of icebergs.
More than 80% of the entire island is covered with ice, its shores abound with fjords, and many icebergs drift in the waters. The glaciers of Greenland are a real ice world of extraordinary beauty. But the problem of melting glaciers worries researchers around the world. Some scientists consider this phenomenon to be cyclical, while others are sure that it is unsafe for the planet. However, the reason why the glaciers of Greenland are melting, many believe global warming. The largest pieces of icebergs break off from the Jakobshavn Glacier, which is located on the west coast.
The population of Greenland mainly consists of Inuit - the indigenous inhabitants of the island. They make up 90%, the remaining 10% are Europeans (mostly Danes). The southwestern coast is the most populated, the inhabitants hunt and fish.
National dishes are dried meat of marine animals, dried fish, stroganina and shrimps. The traditional dwelling of the peoples of Greenland is a stone and peat semi-dugout with one room and flooring instead of beds. In modern people live in small wooden houses painted with bright colors and covered with iron roofs.
Popular Attractions
Many tourists imagine Greenland as a place completely covered in ice. But this amazing island is famous not only for its glaciers. There is something to see, both in architectural and natural terms. For example, the famous northern lights, which can be seen in any season. Or national park listed by UNESCO. You can also visit the house of Santa Claus, see seal fishing, snowboarding, skiing, dog sledding and bear hunting. What else interesting places offers an island?
- Turquoise lake.
This amazingly beautiful place was formed due to the melting of glaciers. Melt water flows down from the slopes, turning into a transparent lake of amazing and pure turquoise color - a real miracle of nature. Surrounded by a lake of impressive size with snowy hills, which makes the beautiful landscape even more beautiful. Turquoise Lake is considered to be one of the most beautiful natural reservoirs on the planet.
- Disco Bay.
One of the largest bays in Greenland, its shores are dotted with rocks, and pieces of ice are constantly floating in the water. A boat trip is a great opportunity to admire the real natural beauty. True, some parts of the bay are covered with ice crust, but most of them are suitable for walking. The best time to explore the bay is in the evening, when the blue-white hues of the water and ice sparkle in the golden sunset.
- Ice canyon.
This truly fabulous place is located in the very center of Greenland, its depth is 45 meters. As a result of the melting of the snow, the canyon is dark blue water against the background of snow-white ice. Here you can see gulls, arctic foxes, deer, walruses, wolves, seals, partridges and other representatives of the animal world. The Ice Canyon is a popular place not only among tourists, but also among mountaineers.
The reason is that modern Antarctica is a continent covered with a multi-kilometer layer - a change in the circulation of world waters near its shores.
Antarctica is known to have had temperate forests in the past, which teemed with life of all kinds. About 33 million years ago, the continent quickly cooled and turned into an icy desert.
A study conducted by scientists at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA, says that the cause of this environmental catastrophe is the formation of the Antarctic circumpolar current around the continent.
Prior to this study, it was argued that this current was formed after a cold snap, i.e. approximately 23-25 million years ago. It has now turned out that it was the initial occurrence of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current that was the beginning of climate change. A connection has now been established between the near-surface circumpolar current and the onset of the cooling period in Antarctica. The appearance of the circumpolar current, which is also called the current of the West Winds, formed the modern 4-layer structure of oceanic waters.
The temperature of the ocean and the air temperature of the planet are interconnected, the higher the temperature of the water, the higher the average air temperature. Global ocean currents determine the temperature difference between equatorial and polar waters.
In the period before the appearance of the circumpolar current, the difference in water temperature near the equator and off the coast of Antarctica was two times less than at present. But now this girdle current prevents the penetration of the warm water of the South Atlantic current into the Antarctic continent, "pushing" it back into the Atlantic Ocean.
Global climate change in the area of Antarctica came when the Drake Strait appeared between Antarctica and South America, and the Tasmanian Strait between Antarctica and Australia widened dramatically. In ancient times, they were one mainland. The formation of a girdle around Antarctica created a circumpolar current that cooled the continent.
In a new study, scientists have identified a more objective source of information about the temperature of those times. This source in the study of the Americans was oxygen isotopes with atomic weights of 16 and 18. In the remains of ancient organisms, the content of heavy oxygen (isotope 18) varies depending on the temperature of the water in which they lived.
Tracking the 18 isotope of oxygen and magnesium and calcium in the fossils of Antarctica and in samples of the northern regions of the bottom of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans showed that after the appearance of the current, the temperature dropped by 2-3 degrees.
Reconstruction of the climatic conditions of the past will allow scientists to study modern climate change.
Greenland is the largest island on the planet. Greenland - "Green Land", why is this island called that? After all, almost the entire island is covered with a layer of ice, in some places it reaches one kilometer. A huge icy desert, at the edges of which, in the coastal areas of the island, lush green vegetation is located. That's why it's called "Green Land".
Who owns the island of Greenland
Unlike Antarctica, whose lands are neutral, Greenland is an autonomy of Denmark. Until 1536, the island belonged to Norway. In 1979, the Danish Parliament granted him broad autonomy. Today, the island with the capital Nuuk is an autonomy within Denmark. Not a bad addition to Denmark, autonomy the size of half of Europe.
The population of the island is 58 thousand people. Of which about 90% live on the southwest coast. Here are the most big cities Greenland: Nuuk - the capital, Qaqortoq, Sisimiut and Maniitsok. The city of Upernavik is the northernmost city of Greenland, the air temperature here in summer does not exceed 5 degrees.
The official languages of Greenland are Greenlandic and Danish. Greenlandic is a language belonging to the Eskimo-Aleut group of languages. Many here also speak English.
The bowels of the island of Greenland store many minerals. This is oil, nickel, gold and so on, but the main mineral of the island is fresh water, which is stored in the ice of Greenland.
The nature of Greenland attracts the attention of thousands of tourists. This is an ideal place for lovers of active and extreme recreation. The harsh climate of the island requires physically prepared people, there is no place for frostbites here, because the temperature in the central and northeastern regions drops to 47 - 65 degrees below zero. Impressions after dog sledding through the icy desert can be very vivid. Harnessed, of course huskies.
The northern part is considered to be a very popular place on the island. Here you can see icebergs of various shapes and sizes.
Also, the northern part is famous for the fact that there is a National Park of Greenland, but it is very difficult to get here because of geographical location and because of the ban on staying here. The park is inhabited by such animals as musk ox, polar wolves, polar bears. Arctic plants are also very diverse. The special beauty of northern Greenland is the northern lights. This uniquely beautiful natural phenomenon will bring a lot of positive impressions.
The cuisine of Greenland is very peculiar. For many Europeans, it will even seem unsuitable. The traditional food of the Greenlanders is considered to be fresh meat of marine mammals, that is, not even cooked on fire, in an oven or oven, but taken from a literally living whale, walrus or seal. If you suddenly decide to go to Greenland, then you need to stock up on the products that are familiar to us.
Greenland is the largest island on earth. This amazing and unique place requires special attention from connoisseurs of pristine nature.
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