The lake was first observed by Lauge Koch in 1938 during an aerial survey. It was named in 1952-53 when it was chosen as a center for geological research in which Catalina planes could land.[2] Huts were built and scientific personnel used the location as a base for research in the area, as well as to launch expeditions further north.[3]
In 1955 it was considered as a possible site for a military base in Greenland.[4] Currently there is a STOL airstrip near the lake.[5]
Geography
Centrum Lake is a land-locked freshwater lake with a fjord structure. It is located at the southern end of Crown Prince Christian Land peninsula. The Sæfaxi Elv, a short river, discharges its waters eastwards in the Marmorvigen, a small branch in the western shore of the Hekla Sound, a little to the north of the confluence with the Dijmphna Sound.[2] The surface of the lake is usually free of ice in July and August, although there are years in which the ice doesn't totally melt.[6]
Sydhøjen is a small peninsula on the northern side of the lake which has Inuit archaeological remains.[2] There are also caves in the area of the lake.[7]
Bibliography
Needleman, S.M. (ed.) 1962: Arctic earth science investigations, Centrum Sø, northeast Greenland, 1960. Air Force Surveys Geo physics 138, 132 pp.