Danish Expedition to Peary Land, 1947-1950

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A geographical, geological, biological and archeological exploration of Peary Land. Base camp was established in 1947; observations began in 1948 and continued through 1950. Meteorological and magnetic studies only were possible during the winter of 1949-50. The Bronlunds Fjord Area southward toward Helprin Land and northward toward Erlandsen Land and Melville Land is part of the North Greenland plateau; built up of early Cambrian sandstone and dolomite of Thule formation above which are Ordovician and Silurian sediments, it is a bare country marked by wind and frost and solifluction. Wind erosion is strongest in lowlands and diminishes with altitude. Violent storms and intense cold mark the winters; summers are arid. The land seems barren except in river valleys, but in view of the location and climate, vegetation and animal life are surprisingly varied and rich. Bronslunds Fjord station records are transmitted four times daily to Denmark. Climate is decidedly continental, desertlike. Foehn winds are frequent with relatively high winter temps. Climate is descr. in detail. The glaciological program emphasized annual accumulation and ablation of typical glacier, also temp, conditions in depth and stratification. Shafts dug in ice revealed layers in different shades of green and differing in air content and size of crystal. Possibly each layer may correspond to annual deposits. Moraines are local in character. Glaciers are generally retreating. Archeological studies indicate that the area was inhabited or visited earlier by Eskimos of Thule and Dorset cultures. Tent rings, shelters and meat caches were found, also artifacts. With the use of aircraft for logistic support it would be possible to remain in this area for years.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: