Why is Greenland in White on Maps?
Greenland is often depicted in white on maps, a color that accurately represents its unique geographical and climatic features. This white hue is primarily due to the vast ice sheet covering the majority of the island. However, there are several reasons underlying this representation, and it has evolved over time with new discoveries and technological advancements in cartography.
Ice Sheet Coverage
Approximately 80% of Greenland's surface is covered by the Greenland Ice Sheet, the second-largest ice body in the world after Antarctica. This massive expanse of ice gives the island a predominantly white appearance on most maps. The ice sheet, which is over one mile thick in some areas, extends for thousands of miles, dominating the map visualization. Mapmakers often use white to represent ice-covered areas due to its visual association with snow and cold.
Climatic Representation
In climate maps, white often symbolizes cold regions or areas with permanent snow and ice. This is a crucial characteristic of Greenland, as its harsh Arctic climate is characterized by permanent snow and ice cover. These conditions are indicative of the region's cold weather and low temperatures, making white an ideal choice for representation.
Cartographic Choices
Modern cartography uses color schemes to convey specific features and characteristics of regions. Mapmakers often opt for white to represent ice-covered areas due to its clarity and ease of identification. Even maps from a century ago might have used white to represent areas with unknown or extensive ice coverage, contributing to the consistent representation of Greenland.
Historical Context
The name "Greenland" is a historic misnomer that dates back to the 10th century when Erik the Red first discovered the island. At the time, parts of the island's southern and southwestern coasts were actually green, as the region was in a warming period. Norse colonists had grazed sheep and cattle on these coastal areas during this period of milder climate. However, this changed with the onset of the Little Ice Age, which significantly affected the island's climate for several centuries.
The Little Ice Age, which began in the 13th century, led to harsher winters and more permanent snow and ice coverage. This period froze and eventually led to the collapse of Norse settlements. Even more recently, during the 1950s to the early 1970s, a mini-Little Ice Age caused significant losses of livestock and supply issues for those in the region. The impact of climate change over time is clearly visible in the evolution of maps depicting Greenland.
Modern Implications
Today, maps continue to depict Greenland in white, highlighting its enduring ice cover. This white representation is not just a symbolic choice but a practical one that accurately reflects the island's geographic and climatic conditions. It serves as a reminder of the significant role climate plays in shaping the landscape of this and many other frozen regions.
In conclusion, the white representation of Greenland on maps is a result of its extensive ice coverage, climatic characteristics, and cartographic conventions. The ice sheet, the Little Ice Age, and recent climatic changes all contribute to the white depiction, making it an essential and accurate representation of this unique territory.