Point 660 Greenland Ice Sheet Tour: A Journey to the Heart of Greenland's Ice Cap
The Point 660 Greenland Ice Sheet Tour is one of the most popular and accessible ways to explore the vast Greenland Ice Sheet. Departing from Kangerlussuaq, this tour takes you to Point 660, where you can stand directly on the ice sheet—an awe-inspiring experience that offers a glimpse into the ancient and unspoiled wilderness of Greenland.
Tour Overview:
The Point 660 tour offers a remarkable combination of adventure and education. Starting from Kangerlussuaq, a town located on the west coast of Greenland, you’ll embark on an exciting journey through the Arctic landscape. Kangerlussuaq is uniquely situated near the ice sheet and serves as an ideal launching point for visitors wishing to explore this frozen expanse.
During the tour, you’ll travel over rugged terrain via 4x4 vehicles, specially designed to handle the harsh, snowy conditions. Along the way, your guide will provide fascinating insights about the Greenland Ice Sheet, its history, and its critical role in the global climate system.
When you reach Point 660, you will have the opportunity to walk right up to the edge of the ice sheet, feeling the raw, untouched wilderness underfoot. For many, it is a moment of awe and wonder to stand on this enormous mass of ice that stretches far beyond the horizon.
Key Highlights of the Tour:
Access to the Greenland Ice Sheet: The Point 660 tour provides one of the easiest and most accessible ways to experience the Greenland Ice Sheet. Unlike more remote expeditions, this tour is suitable for travelers of all ages and fitness levels, as it’s designed for a relatively short visit to the ice.
Stunning Arctic Landscapes: Along the way, you’ll pass through Kangerlussuaq’s dramatic Arctic landscapes, including fjords, tundra, and rugged terrain. The contrasts between the ice, the mountainous terrain, and the open sky create a photographer’s paradise.
Educational Experience: Your guide will offer a detailed explanation of the Greenland Ice Sheet’s significance to the Earth’s climate system, the role of glaciers in shaping the land, and how climate change is impacting the ice. This educational component makes the tour as enriching as it is thrilling.
Incredible Photo Opportunities: The tour gives you the chance to capture some incredible photographs of the ice sheet, the surrounding mountains, and the unique Arctic environment.
Facts About the Greenland Ice Sheet:
The Greenland Ice Sheet is an extraordinary and essential part of Earth's climate system. Here are some key facts about the ice sheet:
Size and Scope: The Greenland Ice Sheet covers around 80% of Greenland’s surface area and spans approximately 1.7 million square kilometers (656,000 square miles). It is the second-largest ice sheet in the world, after Antarctica, and contains about 8% of the world’s freshwater.
Thickness: The ice sheet is incredibly thick, with an average thickness of around 2 kilometers (1.2 miles). In some places, it can be up to 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) thick.
Ice Flow and Movement: The Greenland Ice Sheet is a flowing mass of ice, meaning it slowly moves from the center towards the ocean. As it moves, it creates crevasses, valleys, and ice flows. In some areas, the ice sheet is still advancing, while in others, it is retreating due to warmer temperatures.
Impact on Sea Levels: The Greenland Ice Sheet plays a significant role in global sea level rise. If the entire ice sheet were to melt, it could contribute up to 7 meters (23 feet) of sea-level rise. However, scientists estimate that full melting would take thousands of years. The current concern is the accelerated melting caused by climate change, which is contributing to rising sea levels more rapidly than previously predicted.
Glacier Calving: In certain areas, the ice sheet reaches the coast, where huge chunks of ice break off into the sea. This process, called calving, produces large icebergs, some of which can be several kilometers in size. Point 660 itself is located in an area where you can observe the dramatic effects of glacial movement.
Climate Change Impact: The Greenland Ice Sheet is highly sensitive to climate change. Over the past century, the ice sheet has been losing mass, mainly due to melting at its edges and calving. Researchers are closely monitoring the ice sheet as its behavior could provide key insights into future climate patterns and sea level rise.
Role in Global Climate: The Greenland Ice Sheet plays an important role in regulating Earth's climate. It reflects sunlight back into space (high albedo), which helps keep the planet cooler. Melting ice decreases this reflectivity, meaning more sunlight is absorbed by the Earth's surface, further contributing to global warming.
Conclusion:
The Point 660 Greenland Ice Sheet Tour offers a rare opportunity to witness one of the most striking natural wonders of our planet up close. Whether you're standing on the ancient ice, taking in the breathtaking Arctic views, or learning about the vital role this ice sheet plays in the global climate system, this experience is both awe-inspiring and educational.
For those eager to explore the Greenland Ice Sheet without embarking on a multi-day expedition, the Point 660 tour provides a perfect way to experience the majesty of the ice in a single day. It’s a must-do for anyone visiting Greenland and seeking to connect with the Arctic's powerful and untamed nature.
