Sunday, 26 April 2009

Scoresbysund fjord, West Greenland

Scoresbysund fjord (Kangertittivaq in inuit), the longest in the world, stretches for 350 km, and is also one of the deepest (over 1500 m); it is located in eastern Greenland at 70.447972 N, 21.789562 W. Huge glaciers flow from the Greenland Icecap into Scoresbysund Fjord :

Because of sea ice, Greenland’s east coast is inaccessible by sea most of the year. The ice barrier stretches along the east coast except for 2-3 months in late summer and autumn.


The region is known for its wildlife. The settlers prospered on the good hunting conditions of the area, which was rich in seals, walruses, narwhals, polar bears, musk oxen and arctic foxes.


Ittoqqortoormiit is the largest town in the area, near the mouth of the fjord. Founded in 1822, it’s the most isolated community in Greenland.


Supplies are vital to the inhabitants; the arrival of the first cargo ship in June has been waited for long.

Sunset in the Sund.

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