BOCKFJORDEN
Crimson Sandstone and Warm Springs
BASIC INFORMATION
Bockfjorden is situated in the northern part of Spitsbergen, west of Woodfjorden. Its name is attributed to the polar explorer Franz Karl von Bock. It stands out with a diverse landscape, bordered by glaciers to the west, mountains of crimson sandstone to the east, and the inactive volcano Sverrefjellet along with the famous geothermal springs at Jotunkjeldene to the south.
Bockfjorden belongs to the zone of the middle-antarctic tundra, which means that the vegetation in these regions tends to favour warmer climates compared to the North. However, Jotunkjeldene and Trollkjeldene are unique places botanically. Within a kilometre of the springs, several species of vascular plants, mosses and algae grow, which is unseen elsewhere on Svalbard. This attracts geese, reindeer, and mountain ptarmigans.
Extraordinary Springs and Unique Vegetation
Jotunkjeldene is located at an altitude of 50 meters above sea level. Two geothermal springs found there owe their existence to the past activity of the nearby volcano and the resulting fracture in the bedrock. The water in the springs is groundwater, heated year-round to the temperature of at least 20°C. As a result of minerals being dissolved by the warm water flowing from the bedrock, extensive terraced carbonate deposits have formed, displacing the moraine clay to the sides. They are incredibly fragile, so walking on them is not possible.
Eight kilometres to the south of Jotunkjeldene there is Trollkjeldene with a greater number of springs. The temperature of the water there reaches approximately 28°C.
