TRIGONOMETRICAL LEVELLING ACROSS THE INLAND ICE IN NORTH GREENLAND

Abstract

As part of the scientific work of the British North Greenland Expedition (1952–1954), a programme of trigonometrical levelling was carried out from the east to the west coast of Greenland, along a line across the inland ice between latitudes 76° 40′ N., and 78° 10′ N. The primary purpose of the work was to determine accurately the heights above sea level of a series of gravity stations, the gravity measurements being made in connection with determinations of ice thickness. For meteorological purposes it was necessary to know also the altitude of the Expedition's central station, situated in latitude 78° 04′ N., longitude 38° 29′ W. The accuracy necessary for the purpose of the gravity survey was a few metres for the altitudes, while the latitude of each gravity station had to be determined with an accuracy of ± 0.1 minute.