Review of the Survey's activities in 1973

Abstract

The Geological Survey of Greenland (GGU) is the official govemment department of the Ministry for Greenland responsible for scientific and practical investigations of all geological matters relating to Greenland. In Greenland the main activities in 1973 were geological mapping, ground and airbome geophysical work, glaciological and hydrological projects, as well as visiting economic sites for the Ministry for Greenland leading to advice on affairs conceming concession rights. Interest in the economic potential of Greenland's bedrock has remained high. The Survey has dealt with matters concerning the radioactive resources of Greenland together with environmental and pollution aspects in connection with the exploitation of resources. Accordingly the chemistry laboratory has been expanded both in personnel and instrumentation resulting in a marked increase in analytical capacity. Additional departments dealing with ore geology, technicai geology and geochemistry have been planned. In preparation for the mapping of the large areas of sedimentary rocks in North Greenland, the Survey employed in 1973 its first full-time palaeontologist. It was not possible to continue the marine geophysical programme started in 1973 but marine and airbome geophysical surveys form an important part of planned future work. Increasing attention will be paid to the continental shelf of Greenland, an area of approximately 60 0000 km², particularly in respect of the hydrocarbon potential.