Publications
Comparative metagenomics of two shallow marine microbial communities in western Greenland
A comparative metagenomic analysis of two shallow marine microbial communities in western Greenland reveals significant differences in taxonomic and functional structures between the Ilulissat Icefjord and a typical open-water site in Baffin Bay. The study found limited overlap, with 25% of observed taxa and nearly half of functional genes differing between the sites. At Sisimiut, characterized by moderate temperatures and minimal glacial influence, chemolithotrophic bacteria dominate, while the Ilulissat Icefjord, marked by cold conditions and strong glacial input, hosts a less diverse community enriched in psychrophilic bacteria like Colwellia hornerae. Functional profiles indicate distinct metabolic adaptations, with Ilulissat's metagenome showing enrichment in genes related to ice-associated metabolisms, such as exopolysaccharide biosynthesis and dimethylsulfoniopropionate cycling. This study provides a baseline for future comparative research in the region.
Impact of Climate Change on the World Heritage in Greenland and Indigenous Peoples’ Culture
Rapid glacier retreat due to climate change is destabilizing both the natural and cultural dimensions of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) at UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Greenland, exposing a structural disconnect between heritage protection regimes and climate governance systems. The study focuses on three sites—Ilulissat Icefjord, Kujataa Greenland, and Asivissuit–Nipisat—and argues that the conventional nature-culture dichotomy is inadequate for understanding these environments, which are integral to Indigenous knowledge systems, subsistence practices, and societal organization. It proposes that OUV should be made more flexible in future revisions of UNESCO’s Operational Guidelines and raises questions about the long-term sustainability of heritage protection amid potential political shifts, such as Greenlandic independence.
Kasper Pilemand
Kasper Pilemand, a prominent figure in the architecture studio Dorte Mandrup, has significantly contributed to the design of culturally impactful and public buildings that deeply engage with their local communities. His expertise lies in navigating complex building designs within sensitive environments, as demonstrated by his work on renowned projects such as the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, Wadden Sea Centre, Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre, and The Whale. Pilemand's approach combines thorough analysis with ingenuity, ensuring that each project not only meets architectural standards but also resonates with its cultural context. His involvement in a diverse portfolio of museums, exhibition spaces, and visitor centers underscores his ability to adapt to varied challenges while maintaining a high degree of creativity and precision.
P–T conditions of anthophyllite- and garnet-bearing metapelites of the Nunatarsuaq domain, Nagssugtoqidian orogen, West Greenland
Research reveals that the Nunatarsuaq domain, located north of Greenland's UNESCO World Heritage site Ilulissat Icefjord, experienced high-grade metamorphism under conditions of approximately 700–750°C and 8–9.5 kbar, indicating burial to mid-lower-crustal depths during deformation. This discovery suggests the domain shared a common Palaeoproterozoic metamorphic event (1.82–1.81 Ga) linked to crustal thickening from the collision of the Rae and North Atlantic cratons in the Nagssugtoqidian orogen. The study employed geothermobarometry on metapelites, uncovering evidence of partial melting and retrograde hydration during exhumation, refining our understanding of the northern Nagssugtoqidian orogen's metamorphic architecture.
Recaptured ringed seals (Pusa hispida) in Greenland show diving patterns indicative of a behaviour related to daylight
Ringed seals (Pusa hispida) in Greenland exhibit diving patterns strongly influenced by daylight, with adult females showing distinct diurnal behavior. High-resolution depth data from satellite relay loggers revealed that one seal's dives closely mirrored those of capelin, a key prey species, suggesting behavioral adaptations for foraging efficiency. The study also highlighted limitations in satellite-based data transmission, missing nuanced dive patterns detectable only through high-frequency (4-second interval) recordings. This insight underscores the importance of fine-scale data in understanding marine predator behavior and its ecological implications.
A Close Look at Dissolved Silica Dynamics in Disko Bay, West Greenland
Research reveals that subglacial discharge plumes significantly enrich dissolved silica (dSi) in the Ilulissat Icefjord, contributing 93 ± 51% of its dSi content. Unlike land-terminating glaciers, where dSi dynamics are conservative and driven by mixing, marine-terminating glaciers entrain saline waters rich in dSi, suggesting a complex interplay between glacial runoff and ocean biogeochemistry. The study also estimates minor but notable contributions from icebergs (0.25 ± 0.67 Gmol yr−1) and pelagic amorphous silica dissolution (~1.9 Gmol year−1). By analyzing macronutrient-salinity distributions across Disko Bay, the findings highlight the nuanced role of glaciers in supplying dSi to marine ecosystems, with implications for nutrient cycling in Greenland's coastal waters.
A Reassessment of the Role of Atmospheric and Oceanic Forcing on Ice Dynamics at Jakobshavn Isbræ (Sermeq Kujalleq), Ilulissat Icefjord
Jakobshavn Isbræ, the largest contributor to Greenland Ice Sheet mass loss over the past three decades, has shown complex ice dynamics influenced by both atmospheric and oceanic factors. Recent research indicates that the glacier began re-accelerating in 2018, with near-terminus velocity increasing by 49% between 2018 and 2021, prior to significant ocean warming. This acceleration was likely driven by reductions in effective pressure due to ice surface lowering, caused by negative surface mass balance and dynamic thinning. Additionally, sustained thinning and iceberg calving during winter 2020/2021 corresponded with a decrease in rigid mélange extent, linked to increased ocean temperatures in Disko Bay and Ilulissat Icefjord. The study underscores the need to consider both atmospheric and oceanic forcing when projecting the future behavior of marine-terminating outlet glaciers like Jakobshavn Isbræ.
Drivers of seasonal hydrography in Disko Bay, Greenland
A two-year observational record reveals that West Greenland Irminger Water (WGIW) drives seasonal hydrography in Disko Bay, Greenland, with episodic renewals influencing both the bay and Ilulissat Icefjord. WGIW crosses a topographic barrier annually, filling the basin and producing peak temperatures and density at depth during winter and spring, while Polar Water (PW) dominates summer and autumn dynamics. Strong upwelling-favourable winds further contribute to episodic renewals. The study highlights the advective pathways of warming signals along the bay's periphery, offering new insights into the region's oceanographic processes amid climate change.
Glacier Geoengineering May Have Unintended Consequences for Marine Ecosystems and Fisheries
A proposed geoengineering solution to mitigate sea level rise by installing underwater barriers to block warm ocean currents around Greenland's Sermeq Kujalleq glacier in Ilulissat Icefjord may have unintended negative consequences for marine ecosystems and fisheries. While the concept aims to reduce ice melt and destabilization of tidewater glaciers, field observations and fjord-scale models suggest that such barriers could disrupt marine productivity, with potential social and economic impacts on Greenland's fisheries. The study highlights the need for parallel consideration of technical feasibility and socio-economic viability in geoengineering interventions to ensure beneficial outcomes amid climate change challenges.
The Ilulissat Icefjord: Local Stewardship and Global Responsibility in a Changing Climate
Climate change and oceanic forces are destabilizing the Sermermiut archaeological site at Ilulissat Icefjord, threatening 4000 years of Inuit cultural heritage. A 2024 fieldwork initiative, involving Greenland’s cultural institutions and international partnerships, employed advanced monitoring techniques and community engagement to study these impacts. The research underscores the need for adaptive management strategies that align with the UN 2030 Agenda to safeguard this UNESCO World Heritage Site. By integrating scientific research, responsible site management, and local knowledge, the Ilulissat Icefjord can remain a globally significant natural site while supporting resilient Arctic communities in a changing climate.
Eleven Movements of the Cryoscape – Ecological Explorations in Sonification for Affectively Engaging with Climate Change
A novel sound installation, 'Eleven Movements of the Cryoscape,' demonstrates how sonification can create affective engagement with climate change by translating real-time data on ice movement and melting into auditory experiences. Located at the Kangiata Illorsua – Ilulissat Icefjord Centre in Greenland, the installation uses an array of eleven speakers to portray the Inland Ice as a dynamic organism, reflecting humanity's impact on natural processes. This work advances research in sonification and listening practices by offering a contemplative approach that invites reflection on current ecological conditions and potential future realities. The study combines artistic design with scientific data to bridge gaps between human perception and environmental change.
Ilulissat Icefjord Upper‐Layer Circulation Patterns Revealed Through GPS‐Tracked Icebergs
A novel approach using GPS-tracked icebergs reveals that upper-layer circulation in Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland, is significantly influenced by tributary meltwater runoff and glacier behavior. The study found that increased meltwater discharge can cause icebergs to deviate from their typical down-fjord trajectory, even reversing direction temporarily until the runoff subsides. This dynamic suggests a strong coupling between glacier activity and fjord circulation patterns, which are critical for understanding heat transport in these complex environments. By leveraging freely floating icebergs as natural drifters, researchers successfully quantified circulation over the upper 0–250 meters of the water column during summers 2014 and 2019, addressing long-standing data gaps in this iceberg-rich region. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating tributary fjord dynamics into predictive models of heat transport and glacier behavior.
Local forcing mechanisms challenge parameterizations of ocean thermal forcing for Greenland tidewater glaciers
Local fjord-scale processes significantly modify ocean thermal forcing at Greenland tidewater glaciers, challenging the accuracy of current large-scale ice sheet models. Research using idealized simulations found that bathymetric obstructions and iceberg submarine melting can alter near-glacier thermal forcing by up to 3°C, despite identical ocean boundary conditions. A common adjustment for fjord bathymetry allowed predictions within 0.2°C, while new parameterizations accounting for iceberg-driven cooling accurately replicated interior fjord thermal profiles in simulations and observations from Ilulissat Icefjord. This study highlights the need for refined models to incorporate these local mechanisms, improving predictions of Greenland Ice Sheet mass loss.
The diet and diving behaviour of the ringed seal (Pusa hispida) in Kangia (Ilulissat Icefjord), Greenland
Ringed seals (Pusa hispida) in Kangia, Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland, exhibit unique diving behaviors and dietary preferences that highlight their ecological adaptability. Adult males frequently dive to depths of 400 meters, while subadults typically stay around 150 meters, with deeper dives observed more in winter. Stomach content analysis revealed that polar cod, capelin, mysids, and shrimps dominate their diet, with shrimp prevalence linked to the deeper diving behavior of adults. This niche overlap extends to harp seals and Greenland halibut, underscoring Kangia's critical role as a habitat for these genetically distinct seals.
An evolutionarily distinct ringed seal in the Ilulissat Icefjord
Researchers have identified a unique ringed seal ecotype, locally known as 'Kangia,' within the Ilulissat Icefjord. This distinct population, genetically divergent from other Arctic ringed seals for approximately 240,000 years, exhibits strong selection in genes linked to pelage coloration, growth, and osmoregulation, explaining its phenotypic and behavioral uniqueness. Despite ongoing gene flow, the study suggests secondary contact since the Last Glacial Maximum, challenging the traditional view of Arctic regions as evolutionary freezers. The findings underscore the value of indigenous knowledge in guiding scientific discovery and highlight the need to reassess how Arctic species may respond differently to environmental changes.
Environmental DNA metabarcoding reveals seasonal and spatial variation in the vertebrate fauna of Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland
A combination of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, local ecological knowledge, and hydrographic data reveals significant seasonal and spatial variation in the vertebrate fauna of Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland. The study finds that Arctic char migrate to the southern fjord during summer, while harp seals forage in large herds within the system. Polar cod emerges as the dominant prey fish, whereas Greenland shark is notably absent, likely contributing to larger ringed seal and Greenland halibut populations due to reduced predation pressure. Summer conditions show a more diverse vertebrate community and distinct water masses in the southern branch compared to the northern branch and main fjord, indicating a time lag in inflow dynamics. This research underscores the value of integrating local knowledge with scientific methods to monitor biological responses to climate-induced changes in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ilulissat Icefjord Upper-Layer Circulation Patterns Revealed through GPS-Tracked Icebergs
GPS-tracked icebergs in Ilulissat Icefjord reveal that upper-layer circulation patterns (0–250 m depth) are directly influenced by tributary meltwater flux, with deviations in iceberg trajectories coinciding in both location and timing. The study also demonstrates that the speed of this circulation varies with glacier behavior, including changes in glacier velocity and meltwater runoff. Researchers deployed 13 GPS units on icebergs to track their movement, providing unprecedented insights into the dynamic interactions between glacial meltwater and ocean currents in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Impact of icebergs on the seasonal submarine melt of Sermeq Kujalleq
Submarine iceberg melt significantly alters the vertical stratification of Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland, by cooling and freshening the water column while deepening the neutral buoyancy depth of subglacial discharge plumes. This process suppresses glacier melting in upper layers, leading to undercutting at the glacier front without requiring mechanical effects. The study used the MITgcm ocean circulation model with the IceBerg package to simulate fjord dynamics over a runoff season, comparing results with 2014 observations. Findings reveal that icebergs modify deep basins by mixing glacially modified waters and altering ambient water properties, highlighting their role in ice-ocean exchanges at marine-terminating glacier fronts.
Subglacial discharge as a driver of fjord circulation in Ilulissat Icefjord
Subglacial discharge of surface meltwater significantly drives fjord circulation and enhances submarine melting at the terminus of Greenland's outlet glaciers, such as Sermeq Kujalleq (Jakobshavn Isbræ). This process, previously understudied, connects atmospheric forcing to marine glacier termini, influencing sea level rise projections. The research reveals that subglacial drainage networks evolve seasonally in response to meltwater volume changes, leading to varying discharge properties and plume dynamics throughout the runoff season. Using the GlaDS model within ISSM and MITgcm ocean modeling of Ilulissat Icefjord, scientists characterized these seasonal variations, demonstrating their impact on fjord circulation and glacier melt rates.
Fulcrum of climate change?
Greenland's Ilulissat Icefjord serves as both a symbol and a microcosm of climate change, offering unique opportunities for tourism that balance education and adventure. The region's rapid environmental transformations are leveraged by the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre to inform global audiences about climate impacts, despite the paradoxical greenhouse gas emissions generated by long-distance travel to this destination. Greenland's shift toward 'adventure tourism' reflects an adaptive strategy to diversify its appeal amid melting ice and snow, catering to evolving cultural demands for ethnocentrically defined experiences. This approach underscores the tension between mitigating climate change through awareness and the environmental costs of engaging with it.
Inuit and Local Knowledge on the Marine Ecosystem in Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland
Local fishers in Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland, are adapting their fishing strategies to rapid environmental changes driven by climate change. The study reveals that increased ice clearing events during winter have shifted traditional dogsled fishing to boat-based methods when the main fjord becomes navigable. However, deteriorating sea ice conditions and reduced accessibility in the southern branch of the fjord system have led fishers from Qasigiannguit to visit the area less frequently. Despite these challenges, Ilulissat Icefjord remains a critical fishing and hunting ground due to its larger Greenland halibut and ringed seal populations compared to Disco Bay. The research highlights the immediate impacts of climate change on local ecosystems, including altered ice conditions, fjord accessibility, and the emergence of Atlantic cod, which were previously absent in significant numbers. This study combines interview surveys with Inuit and local knowledge to document these changes.
Paradoxes of cruise tourism to Greenland.
Cruise tourism significantly contributes to Greenland's tourism sector but poses challenges for sustainable development and environmental planning, particularly at UNESCO World Heritage Site Ilulissat Icefjord. While it brings mass visitors who witness climate change impacts like calving icebergs, cruise ships also contribute to Arctic warming, creating a paradoxical relationship. Pre-pandemic data shows cruise tourism was becoming more concentrated in time and space, contradicting Greenland's development goals. The study highlights the need for upgraded port infrastructure and stronger bargaining positions by Greenlandic authorities to manage cruise logistics and onshore programs effectively.
Inherited basement canyons: Impact on sediment distribution in the North Atlantic
Research on the Ilulissat Icefjord reveals that inherited basement canyons, extending hundreds of kilometers inland, served as long-lasting sediment conduits for the Albian–Palaeocene Nuussuaq Basin in West Greenland. These canyons, including the Ilulissat and Uparuaqqusuits, sourced sediments from a vast catchment area reaching East Greenland, significantly influencing basin evolution and palaeogeography. The study suggests that these canyons formed during Late Triassic and Late Jurassic uplift events, eroding deeply weathered basement surfaces created in the Early–Middle Triassic. This discovery sheds light on sediment distribution patterns, source-to-sink dynamics, and the geological history of the North Atlantic basins.
Interannual summer mixing processes in the Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland
Enhanced oceanic mixing at the deep sill of Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland, promotes upward heat and salt transport from subsurface layers to the surface mixed layer. This process, quantified using Thorpe scale analysis of density inversions from summer research cruises (2009–2017), revealed diapycnal diffusivity reaching up to 1×10⁻³.⁵ m²/s⁻¹—significantly higher than global ocean averages. The strongest mixing occurred in 2013, while the weakest was observed in 2016, correlating with glacier melting conditions and ice melange dynamics. Low melange concentrations increased ventilation, facilitating intrusions of Polar and Irminger waters that disrupted water column stability, reducing diffusive convection. These findings suggest that water intrusions from Disko Bay may influence the stability of Jakobshavn Isbræ Glacier, offering critical insights into fjord-glacier interactions.
Characteristics of meltwater export from Jakobshavn Isbræ and Ilulissat Icefjord
A study of Jakobshavn Isbræ, the fastest retreating glacier in Greenland and a significant contributor to ice-sheet mass loss, reveals that its meltwater export forms a buoyant coastal gravity current extending 10 km offshore and reaching depths of 100 meters. The research, conducted using hydrographic observations and inert geochemical tracers, provides the first quantitative description of glacially-modified waters exported from the Jakobshavn/Ilulissat Icefjord system. These waters contain submarine meltwater (up to 2.5 ± 0.12%) and subglacial discharge (up to 6 ± 0.37%), along with entrained ocean waters, suggesting a deep-reaching overturning cell driven by glacial buoyancy forcing. The findings highlight the potential impacts of increased freshwater discharge on ice melt feedbacks, marine ecosystems, and regional ocean circulation.
Freshwater Flux and Spatiotemporal Simulated Runoff Variability into Ilulissat Icefjord, West Greenland, Linked to Salinity and Temperature Observations near Tidewater Glacier Margins Obtained Using Instrumented Ringed Seals
A study of Ilulissat Icefjord, West Greenland, reveals that freshwater flux into the fjord is dominated by ice discharge from Jakobshavn Isbrae (85%), with runoff contributing 14% and other sources accounting for the remaining 1%. The research, spanning 2009–2013, used instrumented ringed seals to collect salinity and temperature data near tidewater glacier margins, providing unprecedented access to otherwise inaccessible waters. Simulated runoff showed significant spatiotemporal variability, correlating with observed hydrographic conditions in the upper fjord and southern arm. Notably, runoff spikes during late summer significantly altered salinity in the upper water column (0–50 m), while smaller variations had minimal impact. The study highlights the complex interplay between terrestrial runoff and glacial dynamics in shaping fjord conditions.
Oceanic Boundary Conditions for Jakobshavn Glacier. Part I: Variability and Renewal of Ilulissat Icefjord Waters, 2001–14
Jakobshavn Glacier's retreat in Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland, is linked to the variability of fjord waters. A 13-year study (2001–2014) found that while summer basin temperatures averaged 2.8°C from 2009 to 2013, excluding a cooler anomaly in 2010, potential densities remained consistent (27.20 ≤ σθ ≤ 27.31 kg m⁻³), matching Disko Bay waters since at least 1980. The 2010 temperature dip was advected from Disko Bay, indicating annual or faster renewal of fjord basin waters. Velocity profiles suggested a renewal timescale of about one month, with subglacial discharge driving circulation, while external baroclinic forcing was ineffective due to the mouth sill. This suggests that oceanic conditions play a critical role in glacier dynamics.
Oceanic Boundary Conditions for Jakobshavn Glacier. Part II: Provenance and Sources of Variability of Disko Bay and Ilulissat Icefjord Waters, 1990–2011
Jakobshavn Glacier's response to temperature changes in Ilulissat Icefjord is influenced by the exchange of basin waters with neighboring Disko Bay, which occurs at least annually. The study reveals that the warm Atlantic-origin core of the West Greenland Current does not penetrate deep into Disko Bay or the fjord due to bathymetric impediments on the west Greenland shelf. Instead, the fjord basin is filled by an equal mix of Atlantic water and less-saline polar water, with the latter often originating from the East/West Greenland Current but sometimes from the colder Baffin Current. The annual temperature cycle of the West Greenland Current does not propagate into deep Disko Bay or the fjord basin due to depressed isopycnals during warm autumn/winter phases. Anomalously cool conditions in Ilulissat Icefjord during summer 2010 were linked to high freshwater flux through the Canadian Arctic and a weak West Greenland Current, allowing cold Baffin Current water to flood the shelf. Conversely, record warm waters in Disko Bay and Ilulissat Icefjord in 2011/12 were attributed to subpolar gyre warming associated with a negative North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index during winter 2009/10.
Observing calving-generated ocean waves with coastal broadband seismometers, Jakobshavn Isbræ, Greenland
A groundbreaking study reveals that icebergs calving from Jakobshavn Isbræ, Greenland, generate ocean waves detectable up to 150 kilometers away, recorded via coastal broadband seismometers. These waves exhibit distinct spectral peaks, persist for hours without dispersion, and suggest the potential to stimulate seiches in both Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay. The research integrates time-lapse photography, MODIS satellite imagery, ocean wave measurements, and seismic data, offering novel insights into the understudied oceanographic impacts of iceberg calving. This approach highlights the utility of land-based seismometers, such as those in the Greenland Ice Sheet Monitoring Network (GLISN), for advancing our understanding of glacial dynamics.
Meltwater flux and runoff modeling in the ablation area of Jakobshavn Isbræ, West Greenland
Surface runoff from the Jakobshavn Glacier contributes only about 7% of the total freshwater flux to Ilulissat Icefjord, with an average annual volume of approximately 3.4 km³. This finding emerges from a study that modeled meltwater flux and runoff in the glacier's ablation area using high-resolution meteorological data and the SnowModel system. The research, spanning 2000/01 to 2006/07, validated its simulations against winter snow depth observations and MODIS-derived summer melt data. While both runoff and ice discharge showed increasing trends during this period, the overall freshwater flux remained relatively stable. This study highlights the minor but significant role of surface runoff in the broader context of glacial freshwater input to Ilulissat Icefjord.
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