Kangerlussuaq (Greenland)

Kangerlussuaq (aka Sondre Stromfjord) is an airbase, an international airport and a port village (population around 500) located in central-western Greenland (Qeqqata municipality). The port is located at the head of Kangerlussuaq Fjord, with entrance southeast of Sisimiut. The fjord has length 190 km (120 mi) long and withd 1,5-8 km (1-5 mi), extending northeastward from Davis Strait to the edge of an inland ice cap, where its arms are fed by glaciers. The former US air base (used during WW2 / 1939-45) is now serves an international airport. The facility serves mainly domestic flights by both planes and helicopters.

Kangerlussuaq Fjord is navigable (excepting during winter). The seaport Kangerlussuaq is approx 20 km (12 mi) west of Kangerlussuaq Airport. The port is fairly shallow (suitable for smaller-sized vessels only) and mainly used by supply ships of Royal Arctic Line (state-owned freight company). Cruise vessels, such as Hurtigruten ships, navigate the fjord, anchoring at sea (outside the port). The area is home to Greenland's most diverse terrestrial fauna, including caribou, gyrfalcons and muskoxen. The local economy is almost entirely based on airport shipping and tourism.

A research base Sondrestrom Upper Atmospheric Research Facility (aka Kellyville) is approx 15 km (9.3 miles) west of Kangerlussuaq. The station is managed by US National Science Foundation and Danish Meteorological Institute, and hosts up to 20 instruments.