Greenland Country Update

Abstract

The research for geothermal energy in Greenland is still at an early stage. Currently, geothermal water is used in natural spas in one or two places for bathing, balneology and tourism with little economic return. Surface manifestations of geothermal activity are found in several places. They are mainly found in the basaltic areas at Scoresbysund and Disko. A single geothermal spring in Uunartoc South Greenland is used for bathing. The Greenland Glacier covers over 80% of the country and the majority of all hot springs and geothermal sites are believed to be ice covered. The highest spring temperatures are found on the east coast, north and south of Scoresbysund. The warmest spring (61,5°C) there is near Cap Tobin, near the small town Ittorqqortoormiit. Geothermometers indicate around 90°C deeper in the system. The temperature of the warmest spring in Disko, near the town Qeqertarsuaq, is around 18°C. There, geothermometers indicate 50-70°C deeper down. In Uunartoc South Greenland the surface temperature is 37°C. Recent investigations of the geothermal gradient in Greenland have been reported. A compilation of heat flow recordings indicate the existence of geothermal anomalies beneath the ice sheet that could explain high glacial ice flow areas in some places, especially in north east Greenland.