HOTS Questions: The Land of Snow: Greenland

Q1: What kind of climate does Greenland have?
Ans: Greenland has a very cold climate. Most of its land lies within the Frigid Zone of the Northern Hemisphere and is covered by ice for much of the year. Winters are long and extremely cold, while summers are short and cool. The Arctic Circle passes through the southern part of Greenland.

Q2: What are icebergs? In what ways are they dangerous?
Ans: Icebergs are large pieces of fresh water ice that break off from glaciers and float in the sea. They are dangerous to ships because a large part of an iceberg remains hidden below the water, so collisions can cause serious damage to a vessel. Icebergs can also be hard to see in fog, at night or during storms, and they may drift into shipping lanes, creating navigation hazards.

Q3: Describe the wildlife of Greenland.
Ans: Greenland is home to a variety of animals adapted to cold Arctic conditions. These include polar bears that hunt on sea ice, reindeer that move in herds, musk oxen with thick fur, wolves, Arctic foxes, and several kinds of seals and whales. There are also many fish species and seabirds such as puffins and gulls. Each of these animals has special features, like thick fur or blubber, that help it survive the cold.

Q4: What is the main occupation of the Inuit?
Ans: The traditional main occupations of the Inuit are fishing and hunting. They hunt seals, walrus and whales and catch fish to meet their food needs and to make clothing. Today many Inuit also work in towns in jobs such as teaching, fishing industries, tourism and public services, but fishing and hunting remain important to their culture.

Q5: What kinds of clothes do most people in Greenland wear?
Ans: Most people in Greenland wear very warm clothes made to protect them from the cold. Traditional clothing is made from animal skins and fur, for example, parkas with fur-lined hoods and long boots made from seal skin. People also wear several layers of clothing and, today, often use wool and modern synthetic materials along with traditional garments to stay warm.

Q6: How have modern facilities changed the lives of the Inuit?
Ans: Modern facilities have brought many improvements to Inuit life. Electricity, permanent houses, schools and hospitals have made life more comfortable and improved health and education. Better transport and shops have made it easier to get supplies. At the same time, many Inuit keep their traditional skills and continue hunting and fishing as part of their culture.