Amerloq Fjord facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Amerloq Fjord |
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 Amerloq Fjord
Location in Greenland
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| Location | Arctic (West Greenland) |
| Coordinates | 66°55′N 53°15′W / 66.917°N 53.250°W |
| Ocean/sea sources | Davis Strait |
| Basin countries | Greenland |
| Max. length | 36 km (22 mi) |
| Max. width | 4.2 km (2.6 mi) |
The Amerloq Fjord is a long and narrow arm of the sea, stretching about 36 kilometers (22 miles) in western Greenland. It's located in the Qeqqata area. This fjord opens up into the Davis Strait, which is a part of the Arctic Ocean. It lies just south of the town of Sisimiut. Interestingly, Sisimiut used to be called "Amerloq" by the Inuit.
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A Look Back: Amerloq Fjord's Past
The Amerloq Fjord has a notable story from the past. In 1612, a Dano-English explorer named James Hall had a difficult encounter here. At that time, the fjord was known as Rammel's Fjord. The local Inuit community was upset because some of their people had been taken away during an earlier Danish trip in 1605. James Hall had been a guide on that earlier journey.
Exploring Amerloq Fjord's Geography
The entrance of Amerloq Fjord is found south of Sisimiut. To the north, a large mountain ridge called Nasaasaaq forms a natural boundary. This ridge stretches about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from west to east. It's the end point of a long mountain chain that comes from the Pingu mountain group. This area is halfway between the Davis Strait and the huge Greenland ice sheet.
Further east, the mountains become flatter. This is because of the immense pressure from the ice sheet over many years. The Nasaasaaq ridge connects with other ridges about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) east of Sisimiut. This is near the very end of the fjord.
The head of the fjord is quite special. It connects through a very narrow waterway to a wider fjord called Ikertooq Fjord. On the south side, the fjord is bordered by the long Sarfannguit Island and a smaller island called Maniitsorsuaq. Some small rocky islands, known as skerries, are also found near the fjord's mouth. These skerries help separate the fjord from Kangerluarsunnguaq Bay to the north.
Communities Near Amerloq Fjord
There are two main communities located close to Amerloq Fjord. The town of Sisimiut is situated at the fjord's entrance, reaching down to the sea. At the other end of the fjord, where the narrow waterway connects to Sarfannguit Island, you'll find the small settlement of Sarfannguit. This community is built on a point of land on the island.
Traveling Through Amerloq Fjord
Royal Arctic Line offers weekly ferry services for people traveling in this area. These ferries connect Sarfannguit to Sisimiut and Itilleq, another settlement further south along the coast. The ships travel the entire length of Amerloq Fjord on their journey.
Sisimiut is also a stop for the Arctic Umiaq Line. This service provides connections to other towns like Ilulissat and Aasiaat in the Disko Bay region. It also links to many coastal towns in southwestern and southern Greenland.
