Scimyst
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Discoveries
    • All
    • 1001 Mysteries
    • Aliens & UFOs
    • Animal World
    • Archaeology
    • Biology
    • Doomsday
    • Famous Landmarks
    • History
    • Mars Exploration
    • Military Science
    • Oceanography
    • Science Q&A
    • Scientific Discoveries
    • Space Science
    • Why
    • World Figures
    • World Wonders
    thanh pho trang 650

    The Lost City of 500 Years Containing Flesh-Eating Parasites

    the ancient buddha statue for women is very beautiful but extremely vivid 119168

    Chilling Ancient Punishments for Women with Beautiful but Bloodied Names

    creating the worlds first plasma lamp not using a wire just throw it away 133669

    Creating the world’s most durable plasma lamp that doesn’t “take a break” after a few days of use

    which country suffers the most natural disasters in the world every year 136695

    Which country suffers the most natural disasters in the world, “experiencing” the most super typhoons each year?

    strange spc exoplanet

    10 Most Strange Things of the Universe

    thuan tay trai 650

    Left-Handed People and 16 “Shocking” Facts

    cham do ben khoe mieng 650

    The Secret of the Two Red Dots at the Corner of the Mouth of the Tang Dynasty Concubine

    tinh van con cua 650

    Revealing Unseen Images of the Crab Nebula through the James Webb Space Telescope

    cau hon o phap 650

    Banning Bathing, Forcing Tears, and Strange Wedding Customs Around the World

  • Events
    • All
    • Science Stories
    • Scientific Projects

    Tonight announces the Ig Nobel Prize winners

    frog

    Frog Wins Ig Nobel Prize 2005

    canhcutIg

    Life is Not Lacking in Quirks

    Nobel Prize in Medicine 2005: A Modern Fairy Tale

    10 Weird Inventions Awarded the Ig Nobel Prize 2005

    nobelKT

    Why Did They Win the Nobel Prize in Economics?

    giaydientu

    “Electronic Paper” Set to Appear on the Market

    Development of Science and Technology in the South Central Coast and Central Highlands Provinces

    a russian scientist loves vietnam 1659

    A Russian Scientist Who Loves Vietnam

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Environment
    • Medicine & Health
    tdnong

    Global warming may be the cause of major storms

    traxanh1

    Green tea has effects against dementia

    Discovery of Cancer-Preventing Genes in the Human Body

    Khachdulich Indonesia

    Avian influenza harms tourism more than terrorism

    nao

    Lying – A Disease of People with Brain Defects

    cafe

    Coffee May Prevent Cancer

    tebaocum

    Recreating the ‘Death’ Flu Virus of 1918

    Indo ban

    The whole world unites to fight avian influenza

    HIV aids

    The Mystery of AIDS Epidemic

  • Technology
    • All
    • AI - Artificial Intelligence
    • Computer Science
    • New Technology
    • Scientific Inventions
    top apps explore space solar system on pc 98000

    Top Applications for Exploring the Universe and Solar System on PC

    vai dien tu 650

    Soon there will be data-transmitting clothing

    sua loi khong vao dc coc coc 650

    Why can’t Cốc Cốc download videos to the computer?

    may tinh cu 1

    17 Things You Can Do with an Old Computer

    play free games super fun on android devices 54708

    Play Extremely Fun Free Games on Android Devices

    top 10 best weather apps on android 98127

    Top 10 Best Astronomy Apps on Android

    how to charge iphone properly 122474

    How to Charge an iPhone the Right Way

    do not scan qr code finger 122198

    Don’t Scan QR Codes Randomly

    sensor technology for measuring oxygen in blood 120461

    Light-Emitting Sensor Technology Can Measure Blood Oxygen

  • Cultural Heritage
    ai cap 650

    The Ruins of Memphis & the Pyramid Complex from Giza to Dahshur – Egypt

    khao co 650

    Prehistoric Archaeological Sites in the Dordogne Valley and Caves in the Vézère Valley – France

    baroque churches philippines 67188

    Baroque Churches – Philippines

    mont saint michel france 67265

    Mont Saint Michel Island – France

    acropolis bracelet in athens greece 67621

    Acropolis Fortress in Athens – Greece

    language mo tan thuy hoang china 67087

    Tomb of Qin Shi Huang – China

    historical city ayutthaya 67804

    Historical City of Ayutthaya

    mesa verde national park 67201

    Mesa Verde National Park – United States of America

    to the taj mahal india 67153

    Taj Mahal Temple – India

  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Photo Library
    • Videos

    Honesty

    Telephone

    Advanced Technology

    Terminal Illness

    Allergy

    Love Like Mars

    Super Definition

    Coi Sách

    Selling Candy

No Result
View All Result
Scimyst
  • Home
  • Discoveries
    • All
    • 1001 Mysteries
    • Aliens & UFOs
    • Animal World
    • Archaeology
    • Biology
    • Doomsday
    • Famous Landmarks
    • History
    • Mars Exploration
    • Military Science
    • Oceanography
    • Science Q&A
    • Scientific Discoveries
    • Space Science
    • Why
    • World Figures
    • World Wonders
    thanh pho trang 650

    The Lost City of 500 Years Containing Flesh-Eating Parasites

    the ancient buddha statue for women is very beautiful but extremely vivid 119168

    Chilling Ancient Punishments for Women with Beautiful but Bloodied Names

    creating the worlds first plasma lamp not using a wire just throw it away 133669

    Creating the world’s most durable plasma lamp that doesn’t “take a break” after a few days of use

    which country suffers the most natural disasters in the world every year 136695

    Which country suffers the most natural disasters in the world, “experiencing” the most super typhoons each year?

    strange spc exoplanet

    10 Most Strange Things of the Universe

    thuan tay trai 650

    Left-Handed People and 16 “Shocking” Facts

    cham do ben khoe mieng 650

    The Secret of the Two Red Dots at the Corner of the Mouth of the Tang Dynasty Concubine

    tinh van con cua 650

    Revealing Unseen Images of the Crab Nebula through the James Webb Space Telescope

    cau hon o phap 650

    Banning Bathing, Forcing Tears, and Strange Wedding Customs Around the World

  • Events
    • All
    • Science Stories
    • Scientific Projects

    Tonight announces the Ig Nobel Prize winners

    frog

    Frog Wins Ig Nobel Prize 2005

    canhcutIg

    Life is Not Lacking in Quirks

    Nobel Prize in Medicine 2005: A Modern Fairy Tale

    10 Weird Inventions Awarded the Ig Nobel Prize 2005

    nobelKT

    Why Did They Win the Nobel Prize in Economics?

    giaydientu

    “Electronic Paper” Set to Appear on the Market

    Development of Science and Technology in the South Central Coast and Central Highlands Provinces

    a russian scientist loves vietnam 1659

    A Russian Scientist Who Loves Vietnam

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Environment
    • Medicine & Health
    tdnong

    Global warming may be the cause of major storms

    traxanh1

    Green tea has effects against dementia

    Discovery of Cancer-Preventing Genes in the Human Body

    Khachdulich Indonesia

    Avian influenza harms tourism more than terrorism

    nao

    Lying – A Disease of People with Brain Defects

    cafe

    Coffee May Prevent Cancer

    tebaocum

    Recreating the ‘Death’ Flu Virus of 1918

    Indo ban

    The whole world unites to fight avian influenza

    HIV aids

    The Mystery of AIDS Epidemic

  • Technology
    • All
    • AI - Artificial Intelligence
    • Computer Science
    • New Technology
    • Scientific Inventions
    top apps explore space solar system on pc 98000

    Top Applications for Exploring the Universe and Solar System on PC

    vai dien tu 650

    Soon there will be data-transmitting clothing

    sua loi khong vao dc coc coc 650

    Why can’t Cốc Cốc download videos to the computer?

    may tinh cu 1

    17 Things You Can Do with an Old Computer

    play free games super fun on android devices 54708

    Play Extremely Fun Free Games on Android Devices

    top 10 best weather apps on android 98127

    Top 10 Best Astronomy Apps on Android

    how to charge iphone properly 122474

    How to Charge an iPhone the Right Way

    do not scan qr code finger 122198

    Don’t Scan QR Codes Randomly

    sensor technology for measuring oxygen in blood 120461

    Light-Emitting Sensor Technology Can Measure Blood Oxygen

  • Cultural Heritage
    ai cap 650

    The Ruins of Memphis & the Pyramid Complex from Giza to Dahshur – Egypt

    khao co 650

    Prehistoric Archaeological Sites in the Dordogne Valley and Caves in the Vézère Valley – France

    baroque churches philippines 67188

    Baroque Churches – Philippines

    mont saint michel france 67265

    Mont Saint Michel Island – France

    acropolis bracelet in athens greece 67621

    Acropolis Fortress in Athens – Greece

    language mo tan thuy hoang china 67087

    Tomb of Qin Shi Huang – China

    historical city ayutthaya 67804

    Historical City of Ayutthaya

    mesa verde national park 67201

    Mesa Verde National Park – United States of America

    to the taj mahal india 67153

    Taj Mahal Temple – India

  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Photo Library
    • Videos

    Honesty

    Telephone

    Advanced Technology

    Terminal Illness

    Allergy

    Love Like Mars

    Super Definition

    Coi Sách

    Selling Candy

No Result
View All Result
Scimyst
No Result
View All Result
Home Discoveries Why

Why do Greenland and Iceland have names that are completely opposite to reality?

by Sci
December 27, 2024
in Why
0
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The origin of the names for any location encompasses its history, culture, and even geography. However, Iceland and Greenland seem to carry names that contradict these associations.

Iceland and Greenland, despite their seemingly simple names, have fascinating stories that delve deep into the history of both regions. According to the oldest known source, Íslendingabók (The Book of Icelanders), written in 1103, Iceland was first settled by Norse people between 870 and 930 AD. On the other hand, the Inuit are believed to have settled in Greenland first, migrating from North America around 2500 BC.

Another primary source regarding the initial settlement of Iceland, Landnámabók (The Book of Settlements), recounts the story of Flóki Vilgerðarson, the first Norse man to spend a winter in Iceland. Legend has it that the harsh winter caused the loss of his livestock. Discouraged, Flóki climbed a mountain in the spring and witnessed a fjord full of ice. This led him to name the region “Iceland”, almost as a warning to other explorers.

Names are often based on the characteristics of a region.
Names are often based on the characteristics of a region. Except in the case of Iceland – the land of ice, and Greenland – the land of green. These two lands bear names that are completely opposite to their nature, with Iceland being free of ice, while Greenland is snow-covered year-round.

However, the name “Greenland” was recorded when the Norse explorer Erik the Red arrived in the southern part of the island in 982 AD. This name seems entirely inappropriate for Greenland’s current climate.

Data from ice cores and mollusk shells indicate that southern Greenland was much warmer from 800 AD to 1300 AD. Witnessing a much greener landscape, Erik the Red named the area “Greenland” to attract more settlers.

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the seas around Iceland are about 6 degrees Celsius warmer than Greenland.
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the seas around Iceland are about 6 degrees Celsius warmer than those around Greenland. A warmer climate means that Iceland experiences lush summers, although 11% of its surface is still covered by ice.

What Makes Iceland and Greenland So Different?

Ice currently covers over 80% of Greenland’s area, but it hasn’t always been this way. Scientists conducting research on the Greenland Ice Sheet have uncovered a landscape hidden beneath the ice. The research team discovered organic soil frozen beneath the ice for 2.7 million years!

Even today, sheep and potato farms continue to thrive in the southwestern part of the island. However, due to natural climate change, this area has gradually become colder over time. Now, Eismitte, Greenland, is dubbed the second coldest place on Earth, with the lowest recorded temperature at -85 °F (-65 °C).

Iceland, although it may have been frozen when Flóki first saw it, has gradually become warmer. This warming could be attributed to the Gulf Stream, which makes the surrounding seas about 10°F (6°C) warmer than those near Greenland. Even with 11% of the country covered by permanent ice, Iceland still enjoys a lush summer each year.

By the 14th century, the average temperature in Greenland had dropped significantly.
According to data from ice cores and mollusk shells in Greenland, between 800 and 1300, southern Greenland was much greener than it is today. However, by the 14th century, the average temperature in Greenland dropped significantly. A decrease in temperature meant fewer harvests, and winters became brutally cold.

So Why Haven’t Iceland and Greenland Changed Their Names?

The solution may seem simple, but it’s not as straightforward as merely swapping names. Firstly, changing names would be a long process for both regions. Leaders and politicians would need to hold meetings to gain the approval of the majority. Climate change also plays a role in whether a name change is necessary.

The melting of Greenland’s ice sheet has cooled the North Atlantic waters, significantly slowing the Gulf Stream. If this trend continues, Iceland will experience colder temperatures while Greenland will become warmer, with alarming ice melt. The names Iceland and Greenland may not fit today’s realities, but climate change could ensure those names become relevant in the future.

Global warming is melting ice in Greenland
Global warming is melting ice in Greenland, according to National Geographic, leading to a colder climate in the North Atlantic, which directly slows warm water currents. If this continues, Iceland will face colder conditions, potentially even experiencing frost, while Greenland will continue to warm and ice will melt. At that point, the names Iceland and Greenland would be entirely accurate.

Legend has it that Naddador was the first explorer to set foot in Iceland; he named it Snæland (Land of Snow) because it was snowing at the time. Following him was Garðar Svavarosson – a Swedish Viking who subsequently led to the island being named Garðarshólmur (Garðar’s Island).

Unfortunately, Garðar’s island was not very welcoming to the next arrival – a Viking named Flóki Vilgerðarson. Flóki’s daughter drowned on the way here, and his livestock perished due to the long winter. It is said that in his despair and frustration, he climbed a mountain and saw only a small fjord full of ice. From there, the name Iceland was born.

  • Why is the Earth not perfectly round?
  • Will cities in the Arctic Circle collapse and face ancient viruses that may soon awaken?
  • The mystery of biology: Why can’t we build planes with wings like dragonflies?
Tags: GreenlandGulf Stream currentIcelandorigin of the name Greenlandorigin of the name Iceland
Next Post
vatican 650

16 Interesting Facts About Vatican City

dam chay 650

Fires - Droughts - Floods: How was Earth in 2022 "tormented" when viewed from space?

giun dat 640

How Earthworms Move

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

FEATURED POST

the mystery of the mummified woman misidentified as an egyptian pharaoh 129359

The Mystery of the Mummy of the Woman Mistaken for the Pharaoh of Egypt

space monsters in mythology first appearance 129358

Cosmic Monster ‘in Legend’ Appears for the First Time

the most dangerous coastline in the world haunting the dreams of mangrove forests 108247

The world’s most dangerous strait – The haunting toll measured in sailors’ lives

10 amazing natural phenomena that challenge science 60818

23 Mysterious Natural Phenomena That Challenge Science

TRENDING

no cave no peak excluding china leaves the world amazed when building a bridge like a dragon flying over the river 136956
Scientific Discoveries

No Tunnels, No Supports: China Stuns the World with a Bridge that Floats like Silk on the River

10 amazing natural phenomena that challenge science 60818
1001 Mysteries

23 Mysterious Natural Phenomena That Challenge Science

nguoi ai cap co dai 650
Scientific Discoveries

What Race Are the Egyptians Ultimately? Why Are They Different from Today’s Africans?

grand canyon mysterious area ancient egyptian ruins of the united states 133940
1001 Mysteries

Grand Canyon, the mysterious area containing ancient Egyptian relics of the United States

EDITOR PICK'S

What Race Are the Egyptians Ultimately? Why Are They Different from Today’s Africans?

No Tunnels, No Supports: China Stuns the World with a Bridge that Floats like Silk on the River

23 Mysterious Natural Phenomena That Challenge Science

17 Causes of Throat Tightness and Belching

The best way to charge a newly purchased phone battery to avoid battery degradation

Oclantis: The Underwater City Built by Octopuses

14 Shipwrecks Reveal the Truth About Slave Ships

Newsletter

THE MOST IMPORTANT WORLD NEWS AND EVENTS OF THE DAY

Subscribe to our mailing list to receives daily updates direct to your inbox!

Category

  • 1001 Mysteries
  • AI – Artificial Intelligence
  • Aliens & UFOs
  • Animal World
  • Antibiotic Resistance
  • Archaeology
  • Bacteria & Insects
  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Climate & Weather

Site Link

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

About Us

At Scimyst, we uncover the wonders of science, history, and culture. From ancient mysteries to modern innovations, our stories inspire curiosity and connect you to the fascinating world around us. Explore the unknown with us!

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact

© 2025 Scimyst - Your gateway to the wonders of science and culture

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Discoveries
    • 1001 Mysteries
    • Aliens & UFOs
    • Animal World
    • Archaeology
    • Biology
      • Bacteria & Insects
      • Biotechnology
      • Plants
    • Doomsday
    • Famous Landmarks
    • History
      • This Day in History
    • Military Science
    • Mars Exploration
    • Oceanography
    • Science Q&A
    • Science Quiz
    • Scientific Discoveries
    • Space Science
    • Why
    • World Figures
    • World Wonders
      • Cultural Heritage
      • Vietnamese Heritage
  • Technology
    • AI – Artificial Intelligence
    • Computer Science
    • New Technology
      • Self-Driving Cars
    • Scientific Inventions
  • Lifestyle
    • Cancer
    • Environment
      • Climate & Weather
      • Disasters
      • Latest Storm Updates
      • Nature
      • Solutions
    • Medicine & Health
      • Antibiotic Resistance
      • Common Illnesses
      • Dengue Fever
      • Family Medicine Cabinet
      • Food Safety
      • Health
      • Influenza Outbreak
    • Scientific Applications
  • Events
    • Science Events
    • Science Stories
    • Scientific Projects
  • Entertainment
    • Photo Library
    • Videos

© 2025 Scimyst - Your gateway to the wonders of science and culture