Nordaustlandet Island

Nordaustlandet Island

Nordaustlandet, the second-largest island in the Svalbard archipelago, covers an expansive area of 14,443 square kilometers. Positioned to the northeast of Spitsbergen and separated by the Hinlopen Strait, this island is characterized by vast ice caps, particularly Austfonna and Vestfonna, which dominate much of its terrain. The northern regions of Nordaustlandet consist of tundra, providing a habitat for reindeer and walruses. As an uninhabited island, Nordaustlandet is entirely encompassed by the Nordaust-Svalbard Nature Reserve, ensuring the preservation of its natural ecosystems and wildlife. This unique environment offers valuable opportunities for research and conservation efforts, making it a significant area of interest for scientists and environmentalists. The distribution of ocean currents around Nordaustlandet has a significant impact on the productivity of its coasts. The eastern coast, where the currents are cold, is relatively unproductive compared to the north and west, where warmer Atlantic water supports a thriving ecosystem. As a result, the northern coast is home to a variety of seabird species, including the Northern Gulmar, Glaucous Gull, Black-Legged Kittiwake, Little Auk, Black Guillemot, and Brünnich’s Guillemot. Additionally, the Sjuøyane islands, particularly Rijpfjorden and Duvefjorden, are home to the largest kittiwake populations, while Alkefjellet in Hinlopen is a significant guillemot breeding site. Notably, ivory gulls can be found nesting in several locations within the nature reserve. Throughout the year, you can also see Polar Bears all over Nordaustlandet.