New Research Platform on Greenland's Ice Sheet
NANOQ
For further information, please go to:
http://www.dpc.dk/nanoq
or contact:
Henning Thing
E-mail: hth [at] dpc.dk
A new platform, NANOQ, is becoming available for polar research on
Greenland's Ice Sheet.
NANOQ is located at 67°08'N / 47°18'W, 1764 m above sea level and 170 km
east of Kangerlussuaq Airport, West Greenland. The facility was built in
2000 and has, hitherto, served as a commercial proving site for
vehicles.
The location of NANOQ, just a few hours' comfortable driving from an
international airport, the ice road and the availability of full scale
logistics support for researchers both on the ice and in Kangerlussuaq,
provide rather unique opportunities and unprecedented settings for
research projects within the fields of glaciology, climatology, solid
earth geophysics, as well as upward directed research of atmosphere,
ionosphere, and above.
NANOQ is open and staffed year round. The buildings on the ice hold a
complete hotel accommodating up to 30 persons at any time, very well
stocked mechanic and electronic workshops, radio and satellite
communication, Internet access, emergency room and equipment for
advanced first aid, a range of light and heavy weight vehicles as well
as cargo transportation equipment.
An important asset is the 35 km gravel and 135 km ice road connecting
NANOQ and Kangerlussuaq airport. This transportation corridor is
drivable with 4x4 ice trucks and tracked vehicles all year except for
the land-ice transition zone during high summer. Vehicles can be
supplemented with fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
NANOQ is owned and operated by the Swedish company Incitus AB, but the
Danish Polar Center has agreed to coordinate interests among the
international science communities using NANOQ.
In order to optimize and adjust science plans, needs and interests with
availability, prices and logistics services at NANOQ and Kangerlussuaq,
the Danish Polar Center will greatly appreciate your feedback on this
announcement with statements, questions, comments, ideas, and proposals.
In February 2005, an introductory meeting will be held at the Danish
Polar Center, Copenhagen, presenting NANOQ logistics and the research
potentials on this part of Greenland's Ice Sheet.
Please contact Henning Thing, DPC, (hth [at] dpc.dk) if you would like to
attend this meeting or be updated on NANOQ. Furthermore, indicate your
scientific interests, logistics needs, seasonal preferences, and other
items of pertinence.
Read more about NANOQ at http://www.dpc.dk/nanoq - and please spread the
message among your colleagues. Additional information (in Danish) is
also available at http://www.polarfronten.dk.