The historical archive at Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) contains thousands of photos and films from past expeditions to Greenland. It is a historical documentation of the geological exploration of this large arctic country. Some of these recordings have been digitized to make them available for a larger audience. It is tempting to say, that the present archive is the key to the past.
Watch video on Underground Channel: Arctic Exploration
Searching for oil in North Greenland in 1985
During the 1980ies geologists were looking for energy all over the world, and in 1984 the first systematic oil geological investigations were started in North Greenland to map the hydrocarbon potential. During the summers of 1984 and 1985 geologists were drilling cores and mapped the rocks to search for signs, that oil has been formed. It is challenging to work in this large remote part of the world.
Watch video on Underground Channel: Searching for oil in North Greenland in 1985
Organizing the geological mapping of North Greenland
Systematic geological mapping of North Greenland was carried out by GEUS over a five year period from 1978-1980 and again from1984-1985. The work was logistically supported from larger basecamps established in the remote end empty landscapes. See how the geologists are working and learn about daily life in the base camp.
Watch video on Underground Channel: Organizing the geological mapping of North Greenland
Game of flags
Hans Island is a tiny island lying in the middle of Nares Strait between Greenland and Canada. No decision has been made as to whom has the sovereignty of Hans Island. In 1984 the Danish Minister for Greenland Tom Høyem visited the GEUS base camp in North Greenland to follow the geological mapping activities. During his stay, the Minister visited Hans Island to mark, that he regarded the island as Danish/Greenlandic territory. In 2018, Denmark, Greenland and Canada have set up a working group to solve the border issue.
Watch video on Underground Channel: Game of flags