Krossfyorden
Our last day finds us in Krossfyorden on the west coast on Spitsbergen. The west Spitsbergen current, a part of the Gulf Stream, warms this part of Svalbard making the winters relatively mild for this high arctic venue. Often the land fast ice only forms in mid winter, making this poor breeding habitat for the ringed seal, which is dependent on the stable ice platform for the construction of their subnivean birth lairs.
Bearded seals, on the other hand, thrive in the pack ice realm . We sighted several of these hauled out on the small pieces of floating ice in front of the 4th of July Glacier. Known as Storkobber in Norwegian and also as squareflippers in English, these bearded pinnipeds can attain 1000 pounds in weight. During the spring breeding season they sing underwater continuously. Their amorous, extremely long and frequency modulated calls, can be heard some 30 miles away and probably serve to mark breeding territories and attract receptive females.
Kayaking in the peaceful calm waters on our last day in Svalbard has cemented the polar scene in our memories and will serve to trigger fond reminiscences of a short but exciting venture into the polar world.
Our last day finds us in Krossfyorden on the west coast on Spitsbergen. The west Spitsbergen current, a part of the Gulf Stream, warms this part of Svalbard making the winters relatively mild for this high arctic venue. Often the land fast ice only forms in mid winter, making this poor breeding habitat for the ringed seal, which is dependent on the stable ice platform for the construction of their subnivean birth lairs.
Bearded seals, on the other hand, thrive in the pack ice realm . We sighted several of these hauled out on the small pieces of floating ice in front of the 4th of July Glacier. Known as Storkobber in Norwegian and also as squareflippers in English, these bearded pinnipeds can attain 1000 pounds in weight. During the spring breeding season they sing underwater continuously. Their amorous, extremely long and frequency modulated calls, can be heard some 30 miles away and probably serve to mark breeding territories and attract receptive females.
Kayaking in the peaceful calm waters on our last day in Svalbard has cemented the polar scene in our memories and will serve to trigger fond reminiscences of a short but exciting venture into the polar world.
