1. Size and Location:
- Greenland is the largest island in the world, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans.
- It covers a total area of approximately 2,166,086 square kilometers (836,330 square miles).
- Greenland is situated northeast of Canada and northwest of Iceland.
2. Coastline:
- Greenland has an extensive and rugged coastline, measuring around 44,087 kilometers (27,398 miles).
- The coastline is marked by numerous fjords, inlets, and peninsulas.
- The west coast is indented with deep fjords, while the east coast is more regular.
3. Mountains and Ice Cap:
- The interior of Greenland is dominated by the Greenland Ice Sheet, which covers approximately 80% of the island.
- The ice cap has an average thickness of 2,160 meters (7,087 feet) and contains about 10% of the world's fresh water.
- Along the coast, there are mountain ranges, such as the Watkins Range in the east and the Hans Egede Range in the west.
4. Fjords:
- Greenland is known for its numerous fjords, which are long, narrow inlets of the sea that extend deep into the land.
- Some of the most famous fjords include Scoresby Sund, the world's longest fjord system, and Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its active glaciers.
5. Glaciers and Icebergs:
- The Greenland Ice Sheet is the source of many glaciers that flow towards the sea.
- These glaciers produce massive icebergs that break away and drift into the surrounding waters, making Greenland a major contributor to global iceberg production.
6. Tundra:
- Along the coastal regions of Greenland, there are areas of tundra vegetation.
- The tundra is characterized by low-growing plants that can survive in the cold Arctic conditions.
7. Mineral Resources:
- Greenland has significant mineral resources, including iron ore, zinc, lead, copper, gold, and diamonds.
- Mining operations are conducted in certain areas of the island.