Greenland is a part of Denmark and the largest island in the world. It covers nearly 840.000 square miles, where 80 percent is dominated by an ice cap.
According to seismic measurements, the greatest thickness of the ice is about 6.500 feet. - About 60 feet down from the top, the ice cap is compressed snow, with the top layers presenting a dry powdery, crusty surface.
The perimeter of the island consists of ice-free mountains and glaciers flow down these mountains through deep valleys to the sea. - The Gunnbjörn Mountains on the eastern coast are the highest peaks on the island, rising up to 12.000 feet.
Click to enlarge.
Click to enlarge.
Thule is locked in by ice nine months out of the year. Usually in Juli, a US Coast Guard cutter breaks up the ice of North Star Bay and clears the way for supply ships. The bay is frozen over agin by October.
Because there is little soil, Thule is barren most of the year. From June to September, arctic plant life, such as poppies, cotton, mosses and other colorful flowers grow, dotting the arctic tundra. In southern Greenland vegetation is more varied and abundant.
