Sunday, May 24, 2009

Approach calving glaciers...

in the fjords of Svalbard (Spitsbergen) with caution advises this technical paper published by the Norwegian Polar Institute. The first sentence of the article states:
"In 2007 a tourist ship came too close to an actively calving glacier in the Hornsund area of Svalbard. Calving ice blocks fell on the boat's deck, injuring a number of the tourists onboard."
The conclusion recommends a 200 m safe minimum distance to "avoid direct hits and large waves." Seems like common sense to me.

Hat tip: MM, the expedition leader for this trip to Svalbard that I will join as a geologist guide shortly after spring quarter ends.

No comments:

Post a Comment