Arctic Station
Photo: University of Copenhagen
An unique place for scientist from all over the world
Arctic Station on the Southern coast of Disko Island has been the center of Arctic research and science since 1906. It is the University of Copenhagen that owns and runs the field station, which is located about 1 kilometer outside the city of Qeqertarsuaq.
Ideal location on Disko Island
It was the Danish botanist Morten Pedersen Porsild who bulid the Station in 1906. The idea of a scientific station was supported by many famous explorers of the time, amongst other Knud Rasmussen, who all knew the value of the unique Arctic flora and founa.
The reason for the location on Disko Island is the great biological diversity as well as the big geological variations. Disko Bay has both very narrow and very deep waters, and the gletchers are close. Furthermore are more than half of the Greenlandic plants represented on the island. Finally is the geographical location of the Disko Island ideal for reaching other important protected nature environments in Greenland.
Scientific discoveries in the Arctic
Since 1953 the station has been a part of University of Copenhagen, and it is now a place where students can participate in the scientific discoveries of Disko Bay and the Arctic biology and geology. Today, the buildings also contains a lab and a library.
The station is manned all year, and up to 26 scientists from Greenland, Denmark and the world are working there at the same time. Their aim is to learn more about the Arctic nature and environment. It is one of the few scientific stations in the Arctic where scientist can work all year round. This is more current than ever these days, where climate changes effects the Arctic as well as the surronding world.
It is possible to book guided tourist during the summer time, if the scientists allows. Read more here.