Hårfjellet raised shoreline

Coordinates: UTM 32W 0622701 7217776, 65°3'39.2''N 11°36'30.6''E

Primary interests: Science, tourism, education

At Leka a shoreline level of ca 110 m.a.s.l. is easily recognized in many places, but is probably most spectacular at Hårfjellet, where it is developed as a wide terrace 108-110 m.a.s.l. In some parts the terrace is 30–40 meters wide.

Out of several shorelines formed after the last Ice Age, the noteworthy main shoreline is a unique phenomenon in the Quaternary geology of Norway, and it is especially well developed in northern Norway. As the land rose relatively fast after as the ice had melted, falling sea levels left few traces in the landscape. However, occasionally the sea level remained constant long enough for visible shorelines to be eroded in solid rock or loose material. The main shoreline here was probably formed during Younger Dryas (12.800 – 11.500 years ago), when the rim of the ice sheet was at Lysfjordmana (geosite O4), about 20 km east of Leka.

The main shoreline can be observed at several sites in the geopark, but the terraces near Hårfjellet, and on Leka in general, are remarkable features and a great way of observing and illustrating the sea level changes.

The geosite has been used for science, but there is a potential for tourism and education. A trail on the terrace would be easy to arrange.