The weather steadily improved, so that we managed to accomplish our field-work – the last 20 control shrubs on the little plateau. Since we still had one day left for post-processing these samples and the weather forecast predicted rain for Saturday 11th, we decided to use the remaining few hours with sunshine to inspect another potential field-site for possible further projects. This place – called Kuannit which refers to the vascular plant Angelica – was characterized by very lush vegetation. Moreover, the place features several basaltic pillars, which characterize the specific geology of the Disko-island on which Arctic Station is located. In combination with the homothermic springs, the resulting fertile soils host plant communities which normally are located further to the south.
Our control site on the plateau with Salix shrubs growing close to a little stream. The change in size from close to the stream – potentially also affected by the homothermic springs – to the surrounding tundra (left part of the image) is clearly visible.
Male (left) and female (right) flowers of Salix glauca – the ‘Beautiful Willow’. Apart from our research question with respect to homothermic springs, we are also interested in gender-specific growth patterns and levels of productivity.
Angelica growing in Kuannit – due to its high content in Vitamin C, the native people use it for medical purposes.
Basaltic pillars in front of an iceberg.
The landscape at Kuannit is green and lush and features several geologically interesting formations.
Arctic Research 