The GEUS-led Greenland Climate Network (GC-Net) provides valuable in-situ measurements of snow accumulation and surface properties to the ICELINK project.
17 June 2025 – A team led by by Nanna B. Karlsson from GEUS Glaciology and Climate, including Chris Shields, Anne Solgaard and guest collaborator Chris Derksen from Environment Canada, travelled to Greenland for three weeks to service high-Arctic weather stations from the GC-NET (Greenland Climate Network). These stations collect and transmit real-time climate data used by researchers and policymakers worldwide to improve climate models and inform decision-making.
A message came in from the team in Qaanaaq, northern Greenland on Day 7 of their 3-week Arctic field campaign – and they’ve finally reached their first station!
So far, the expedition has unfolded with the usual Arctic unpredictability – the itinerary shifts by the hour, and adaptability is the real key to success. It’s not quite Mission: Impossible, but you definitely don’t come here expecting a fixed schedule. As Chris says:
“The original plan is a loose suggestion at best. We chase the weather, dodge mechanical issues, and adapt to shipping delays. Any plan is liable to change within hours.”
Since arriving, the team has made unexpected detours to Kangerlussuaq, Ilulissat, and now Qaanaaq, with a planned (but possibly delayed) hop to Pituffik Space Base. Each stop requires months of pre-planning, diplomatic permissions, and incredible flexibility. Why? Because in northern Greenland, the nearest community might be a military base – and fog can send all plans back to square one.
Their first station visit was GC-NET HUM, where snow accumulation was threatening the sensors. Alongside routine maintenance, Chris Derksen is taking micrometer-scale snow density measurements at dozens of points – critical data for understanding snowpack evolution in the Arctic.
And as for sleeping in 24-hour daylight and a chorus of sled dogs?
“We cross fingers for working blackout curtains… and that the dogs take the night off.”
We are cheering for you getting the job done (and that you also get some sleep), while we’re holding down the fort in our boring (comparatively speaking) offices back in Copenhagen!
