Norway exhibits a wide array of landscapes, from soaring alpine peaks in the Lyngen Alps to gentle coastal cliffs at Hvaler.
The outskirts of Harstad, Northern Norway. Photo: Nancy Bundt/Edelpix.com
These different landscapes are all formed through a combination of tectonic forces from within the earth and the action of water, wind and ice on earth's surface.
Different ages
These processes have acted during different time periods and neighboring landscapes may be of widely different ages. The gently undulating upland plateau of Hardangervidda is an ancient flatland that has been tectonically uplifted to its present position, whereas the nearby Hardangerfjord has been cut by glaciers into very recent time from a geological time perspective.
From an economical point of view the Norwegian landscape plays an important role through the tourist industry. Furthermore landscape-forming processes indirectly has a huge impact on society through formation of natural resources and the cause of geohazards.
Extensive mapping
To understand the complex landscapes of Norway, information from many sources must be used. NGU is a key contributor in this context through extensive mapping of bedrock and deposits on land and in the Norwegian Sea.
Furthermore NGU performs research and administers databases on tectonic motion and earth surface processes.
Published: 28. January 2008