Today was our last day in Greenland, and we spent it visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jakobshavn Glacier and the Ilulissat Icefjord. Jakosbshavn Glacier is one of the most active glaciers on earth. Fed by the Greenland ice cap, it produces about 10% of Greenland’s icebergs. Massive bergs are released from the glacier and make their way down the fjord until they reach the relatively shallow water at the entrance to Davis Strait. There, the larger icebergs run aground on the submerged terminal moraine. Unable to pass over the moraine, they are stuck there, sometimes for years, until they break up into smaller pieces. The larger icebergs create a roadblock at the entrance of the fjord, keeping tons of ice from escaping.
One highlight of the day was a chance to tour the ice blockade by small local boats. Not only did we cruise among towering icebergs, but the appearance of a few humpback whales feeding around the ice was a nice addition.
