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The area south of Greenland

The potential claim area off South Greenland (shown with a gray tone) has a size of approximately 45,000 km². Greenland’s EEZ is shown in red, the Canadian in yellow. The 350 nautical mile limit line is shown in blue, while the dashed black line is the unofficial median line between Greenland and Canada.

The area of interest off South Greenland is situated between the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of Canada and Greenland. The potential claim area has a size of approximately 45,000 km². Since the shelf off South Greenland is relatively narrow the Gardiner or sediment formula and the 350 nautical miles limit line will come into play in this area. The Eiriks Ridge located southwest of Kap Farvel is possibly part of the continental slope off South Greenland.

Investigations within the Continental Shelf project in this area have primarily focused on

Collection of bathymetric data to determine the foot of the continental slope
Collection of reflection seismic data to map the sediment thickness outside the foot of the continental slope
Acquisition of data that can characterize the nature of the Eiriks Ridge i.e. refraction seismic data

The Continental Shelf Project has in 2003 and 2006 acquired reflection seismic data using commercial contractors in order to supplement existing older seismic data. In 2008 multibeam bathymetric data were collected along the continental slope and along profiles approximately 45 nautical miles apart.

In 2009 refraction seismic data were collected in cooperation with Canada on a cruise with CCGS Hudson (project SIGNAL) along and across the Eiriks Ridge. Furthermore the coverage of multibeam bathymetric data in the area was supplemented by data acquired during a German marine geological research cruise. In the coming years it is expected that cooperation with Canada will continue through exchange of data and joint interpretation projects.

Last modified : December 8, 2009