Novaya Zemlya

Barents' ship among the arctic ice

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C.G. Zorgdragers Bloeyende opkomst der aloude en hedendaagsche Groenlandsche visschery - no-nb digibok 2014010724007-V6

Zemblien (Description de l'Univers, t. 1, pl. 103)

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Русло реки 2

Roze Glacier, Novaya Zemlya

Novaya Zemlya is a remote archipelago in the Arctic Ocean in the north of Russia. It consists of two main islands, separated by the narrow Matochkin Strait: the northern island, Severny, and the southern island, Yuzhny. Novaya Zemlya is part of the Arkhangelsk Oblast administrative region of Russia.

Geography

Novaya Zemlya is an extension of the Ural Mountains, and its rugged terrain is predominantly mountainous, especially in the northern part of the archipelago. The highest point is located on Severny Island, reaching an elevation of 1,547 meters (5,075 feet) at Pobeda Ice Cap. The islands are covered by glaciers, with the southern island being less glaciated. The archipelago's coastlines are deeply indented, featuring numerous bays, fjords, and inlets.

The climate of Novaya Zemlya is Arctic, characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The surrounding waters of the Barents Sea to the west and the Kara Sea to the east are significant for their ice navigation routes, which are critical for Russian maritime activities.

History

The archipelago was known to Russian hunters and fishermen from the 11th century, but it was officially discovered by the explorer Ivan IV's envoy, Uleb, in the 16th century. Novaya Zemlya has a notable history of exploration. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a key site for polar expeditions and scientific research.

During the Cold War, Novaya Zemlya gained notoriety as a nuclear testing site for the Soviet Union. The largest nuclear weapon ever detonated, the Tsar Bomba, was tested here in 1961. This has left a lasting environmental impact on the region.

Flora and Fauna

Despite the harsh climate, Novaya Zemlya supports a variety of Arctic wildlife. The islands are home to polar bears, Arctic foxes, reindeer, and numerous species of seabirds. The surrounding seas are rich in marine life, including seals, walruses, and various species of whales.

Current Status

Today, Novaya Zemlya is sparsely populated, with a few small settlements and military bases. The archipelago remains of strategic military importance to Russia, and access by foreigners is restricted. Environmental concerns, including the cleanup of nuclear test sites and the conservation of its unique Arctic ecosystem, are ongoing challenges.