EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Each week a different image of our fascinating environment is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional ecologist.

22-28 June 2020

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Slopes of Spitsbergen

Adventdalen Slopes
Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway

Credit & Copyright: Dr. Bruce G. Marcot

Explanation:  Here we stand on the high Arctic tundra a mere 650 miles (1050 km) from the North Pole.  

We are far up Adventdalen, "Arrival Valley," in the middle of the island of Spitsbergen.  This is the largest island of the archipelago of Svalbard, which is part of Norway ... the mainland of which is far to the south across the cold Barents and Norwegian Seas.  

This area is part of a national park, Sassen-Bü nsow Land Nasjonalpark.  This is polar bear country; keep alert.  The park was designated in 2003, and contains prime conditions of arctic wetlands, glacial valleys, and the island's tallest waterfall.  
  

    

Next week's picture:  Unusual Butterfly Lachryphagy

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