GEOEO expedition heading northwards in the Arctic
August 7, 2024, Johan Nilsson. Oden has just begun its journey northwards from Pituffik (formerly Thule). Oden was anchored in the fjord outside Pituffik Air Base, which is the northernmost location with permanent residents in western Greenland.
We flew with the Swedish Air Force in a Hercules plane from Stockholm 05/08, with a planned fuel stop on Keflavik, Iceland. With over 70 passengers, Hercules was completely full with people and luggage: there was very limited room for limbs and bodily adjustments.
When landing in Keflavik, we learned that due to low visibility in Pituffik we could not continue on the next leg of the flight. Instead, we got an afternoon and evening in Reykjavik; which was pleasant. The next day, flying conditions were fine en route to Pituffik, and we enjoyed marvellous views of outlet glaciers both on the eastern and western side of Greenland, as well as the mighty central ice cap.
The next few days, we will steam northward towards our targeted study area around Sherard Osborn and Victoria fjords in the northernmost part of Greenland. During the transit, we all will be busy preparing for the upcoming measurements. There are loads of equipment to get in order, and the two helicopters on board will be made ready for flight.
Last updated: August 8, 2024
Source: MISU