Some aspects of the geology of Svalbard

Svalbard has exceptional geological diversity within a relatively small area. The islands are situated between 76°N and 81°N, longitude 10°E and 35°E, with a total land area of some 63 000 km², about twice the size of Belgium. Around 60 per cent is covered by glaciers. It is one of the few places in the world where stratigraphical sections representing much of the Earth's history are relatively easily accessible for study.