Isunngua

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Isunngua is located in Greenland
Isunngua
Isunngua

Isunngua (old spelling: Isúngua) is a highland in the Qeqqata municipality in central-western Greenland, located immediately west of the Greenland Ice Sheet edge. In large part it is covered by the tundra, although in the immediate vicinity of the Sermersuaq ice sheet it gradually becomes exposed, barren, and largely devoid of life. The climate is polar continental, with the area receiving very little rainfall.[1] Isunngua is a calving site for reindeer.

Isunnguata Sermia glacier forming the northern boundary of the Isunngua highlands
Meltwater canyon in Isunngua

Isunngua is notable for a gravel road which leads through it towards the edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet, located 40 km (25 mi) east of Kangerlussuaq, and due to trivial approach it remains a popular tourist target,[2] although very few hikers make the journey on foot, or explore the neighboring glaciers.

The highland is bounded from the north by the Isunnguata Sermia glacier,[3] from the south by Russell Glacier and Aajuitsup Tasia lake, and from the west by Sanningasoq twin lake.

Both glaciers flow to the west from the ice sheet, which constrains Isunngua from the east. The average height of the highland hills is approximately 500–530 metres (1,640–1,740 ft).[3] The highland is dotted with freshwater lakes, kettles, and meltwater outflow lakes saturated with glacial silt.

Road to the ice sheet

Photographs

References

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