Ice, Climate, and Culture Under the Midnight Sun
2008 Exploration Seminar in Greenland
Program Director: Gerard Roe & Michelle Koutnik (Earth & Space Sciences)
Dates of Instruction: August 7-28, 2008
Kalaallit Nunaat. Grønland. The island of Greenland is not only home to the second-largest ice sheet, but also sustains over 57,000 people that live along the ice-free coastline. Changes in the modern environmental and social climate are uniquely affecting the Greenlandic people. The massive Greenland Ice Sheet is melting and moving more quickly than scientists thought possible, and the usual veneer of thick sea ice is replaced by open ocean in the summertime. A stunningly beautiful and seemingly limitless environment, coupled with a culture that remains intimately tied to native traditions, traveling to Greenland epitomizes exploration.
There are no roads connecting different towns and cities in Greenland, so during our three week adventure we will travel along the west coast by air and sea. We will get onto the ice sheet, see the massive icebergs coming off Greenland’s fastest moving glacier, experience the booming capital city, and walk among the Viking ruins. The primary focus will be on ice and climate, and how the Greenland ice sheet and Greenlandic people are responding to climate changes. In addition, we will explore the history and culture of a society that, until very recently, has remained relatively isolated.
- How do glaciers and ice sheets respond to climate changes?
- What will happen to the Greenland ice sheet in a warming climate?
- How are the Greenlandic people affected by warmer temperatures? Are these changes positive or negative?
- What is the relationship between Greenland and Denmark, and Greenland and the rest of the world?
- What jobs exist in Greenland? What does the country export?
- Why didn’t the early Viking settlers survive in South Greenland?
 The map of Greenland shows the locations of all the towns and settlements. We will fly on Air Greenland from Baltimore to Kangerlussuaq, on the west coast. We will spend a few days in Kangerlussuaq and then fly north to Ilulissat. While in Ilulissat we will experience the massive beauty of the ice firsthand. From Ilulissat we will take a multi-day ferry trip along the west coast to the southern tip of Greenland, stopping in the picturesque Qaqortoq. In south Greenland we will visit a small village, Viking ruins, and compare the farming lifestyle to that of dogsleds and hunting further north. From Narsarsuaq we will fly to the capital city, Nuuk. By Greenland standards, Nuuk is a fast-paced and booming city. We will learn about the government and visit Greenland’s only university. These places represent a cross section of a uniquely diverse country. The remoteness and vast beauty of these areas makes every traveler feel akin to the early polar explorers.
 Hiking opportunities and rugged exploration make this trip unique and desirable, but also a challenge. Participants should be equipped for day-long hiking trips, prepared for any weather conditions, and comfortable in hostel-style or other basic accommodation.
For more information see our webpage:
http://www.ess.washington.edu/~mkoutnik/explore_greenland.htm
Participants will earn 5 units of Earth and Space Sciences ESS 209 (NW) or CHID 471 Europe Study Abroad (I&S). Participants should also check with their academic advisors prior to enrolling to determine how these credits may apply to major requirements.
Student costs:
$3,950 Program Fee
$200 IPE Fee
This program includes: all accommodation, nearly every meal (three meals a day), all tours, entry fees, and course materials. Additional costs include: Round trip airfare, some meals (2), immunizations, health insurance, and personal spending money.
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