out of the ocean, giving the island its name. It’s a truly spectacular setting! The mountain (1,450 m / 4,640 ft.) is composed of granitic gneiss, sometimes called “basement gneiss.” This rock was originally granite and then subjected to heat and pressure several kilometres below the Earth’s crust, causing the minerals to form metamorphic rocks. The landscape you’ll see has been dramatically eroded, particularly in the areas where faults have occurred in the mountain structure. These areas weathered and were subsequently overrun by glaciers that carved the dramatic fjords. STORE GLACIER Store Glacier is massive. It’s 5.5 km wide at its front and is ranked third in iceberg discharge for West Greenland. It’s stunningly beautiful—yet rarely visited. It is one of a number of remarkably stable
landscapes, with particularly lush vegetation. More than half of Greenland’s plant species are found here, tucked between columns of basalt rock and black sand beaches littered with ice fragments. In town, you don’t want to miss Qeqertarsuaq’s Vorherres Bleaekhus, which hosts musical performances by resident artists. Local guides will also lead walking tours to visit the church, Qeqertarsuaq’s shopping area and businesses, and the local museum. If time and weather permit, there’s the chance of an extended hike to the incredible basalt columns 10 km down the coast. This hike isn’t for the faint of heart. UUMMANNAQ FJORD Uummannaq Fjord (meaning heart- shaped) is a small island community of approximately 1,500 people about 600 km (375 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. The small village is located at the foot of a towering rock rising steeply
Greenland ice sheet outlets. Scientists report there’s been no significant change in its front position, based on imagery going back to 1964. It’s believed that Store Glacier is heavily grounded, dragging securely along its steep bed. ILULISSAT Ilulissat (formerly Jakobshaven) lies approximately 350 km north of the Arctic Circle. With a population of over 4500, it is the third-largest city in Greenland, after Nuuk and Sisimiut. Founded by Danish trader Jacob Saverin as a trading post in 1741, Ilulissat today is a center for shrimp-fishing in the region. Directly translated, “Ilulissat” is the Kalaallisut word for “icebergs.” The town is situated 2 km north of the legendary Ice Fjord, through which colossal icebergs travel out to sea. Ilulissat is also the birthplace of noted polar explorer and anthropologist Knud Rasmussen, Greenland’s revered native son. You’ll
Call your Travel Professional or a Quark Polar Travel Adviser at 1.888.892.0073 | Visit QuarkExpeditions.com for additional details
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