Greenland

Definition

Greenland is the world's largest island that is not a continent, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and plays a crucial role in understanding population distribution due to its vast land area, harsh climate, and sparse population density, which are key factors influencing human settlement patterns and resource management.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Greenland's population is around 56,000 people, making it one of the least densely populated areas in the world, with most residents living along the southwestern coast.
2. The harsh Arctic climate, characterized by long winters and short summers, greatly limits agricultural activities, leading to reliance on fishing and hunting for subsistence.
3. Greenland's vast ice sheet covers about 80% of its land area, significantly influencing global sea levels as it melts due to climate change.
4. The capital city, Nuuk, is home to over a third of Greenland's population, reflecting how urban areas attract residents despite the challenging environment.
5. Resource extraction, including mining and oil exploration, presents economic opportunities for Greenland but also raises concerns about environmental impacts and sustainability.

Review Questions

• How does Greenland's climate influence its population distribution and settlement patterns?
  • Greenland's extreme Arctic climate greatly affects where people can live. With long, harsh winters and short summers, only a small portion of the island is suitable for habitation, leading to a highly concentrated population along the southwestern coast. This stark contrast in climate creates significant challenges for agriculture and transportation, making it difficult for communities to thrive in more remote areas.
• Discuss the implications of resource extraction on Greenland’s economy and population dynamics.
  • Resource extraction in Greenland, such as mining and potential oil drilling, has significant economic implications. While these activities could provide jobs and stimulate economic growth, they also raise concerns about environmental degradation and sustainability. As opportunities for employment increase in urban areas associated with resource extraction, there may be further migration from rural to urban centers, changing the demographic landscape of the territory.
• Evaluate how climate change impacts both Greenland’s environment and its human populations.
  • Climate change has profound effects on Greenland’s environment, particularly through the melting of its ice sheet. This not only contributes to rising global sea levels but also alters local ecosystems. For human populations, these changes can lead to new challenges such as increased coastal flooding and shifts in traditional hunting grounds for the Inuit people. As these environmental conditions evolve, they also raise questions about future migration patterns and socio-economic stability within Greenland.

Related terms

Arctic Circle: An imaginary line that circles the Earth at approximately 66.5° North latitude, marking the boundary of the Arctic region, where unique environmental conditions affect population distribution.

Inuit: The indigenous peoples of Greenland, Canada, and Alaska, known for their traditional lifestyles adapted to cold climates and their unique cultural practices.

Melting Ice Caps: The process of glaciers and ice caps melting due to climate change, which affects sea levels and can lead to changes in human settlement and migration patterns.