Exploring the Truth: Is Greenland Truly Colder Than Iceland?
Welcome to our blog, where we take you on an exciting journey to the northernmost side of our beautiful planet. Today, we are going to explore a very interesting topic that most people often wonder about: Is Greenland really colder than Iceland? Let’s dive right in!
Contents
Greenland – The Land of Glaciers
Greenland is the world’s largest island, located in the Northern Hemisphere, between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, and its capital is Nuuk. Greenland is famous for its magnificent glaciers, icebergs, and wild nature, which makes it one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
The Greenlandic ice sheet is one of the largest ice caps in the world, covering around 80% of the island’s surface, and it contains enough water to raise sea level by about seven meters. The temperatures can drop really low, making it one of the coldest places on earth. While the interior of Greenland is covered with ice, the coast has a more hospitable climate, thanks to the warm North Atlantic Drift ocean current.
Iceland – The Land of Fire and Ice
Iceland, on the other hand, is a Nordic island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean, and its capital is Reykjavik. Iceland is famous for its active volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, glaciers, and stunning landscapes.
The island has a subarctic climate, characterized by mild and windy winters and cool summers. The south coast of Iceland is the warmest part of the country, thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream.
So, Is Greenland Really Colder Than Iceland?
The short answer is yes. Greenland is colder than Iceland, with temperatures reaching as low as -30 degrees Celsius in winter. The reason behind this is mainly due to the difference in latitude, with Greenland lying farther north in the Arctic region than Iceland.
Another factor that affects the temperature difference is the North Atlantic Drift, which warms Iceland’s coast but has less of an impact on Greenland’s colder climate.
Final Thoughts
Greenland and Iceland are two beautiful countries that offer a unique and unforgettable experience to their visitors. Whether you prefer icy landscapes or volcanic mountains, both offer an adventure of a lifetime.
The question “Is Greenland really colder than Iceland?” may seem simple, but it is fascinating how the two countries differ in climate and geography despite their close proximity. We hope this article has satisfied your curiosity, and maybe even piqued your interest in traveling to the north of our beautiful planet.