One of Norway’s premier mountain view and tourist attractions may be in danger of falling into a fjord, and authorities have called a full-court press to assess the situation and make plans to prevent it.
The danger is from a crack in the cliff that has widened recently, the first time in over 20 years it has done so. The crack is about 18″ wide and several metres deep, and has been studied since 1930.
Researchers at the Norwegian Geological Survey have found that some of the older measurements were inaccurate. Using new technologies, they will now scan the cliff from different angles, make high-resolution images, and create 3D models to make a stability analysis. If necessary, instruments will be installed to track any new changes.
The geologists will also be tracking another 32 sites in the area. The concern here is natural changes, unlike the recent collapse of a rock that’s been known as “the troll’s penis,” which was broken off earlier this year by vandals. A week ago, workers completed the work of re-erecting it.
