Nikkaluokta

A minor earthquake occurred roughly 20 km north of Kiruna, Sweden, on Monday night, according to the Swedish National Seismic Network (SNSN). Residents in places including Kurravaara and Käyrävuopio reported strong shaking lasting about 15 seconds; authorities say it was not related to the mine.

LKAB says ground deformation from the Kiruna iron ore mine will extend farther than previously forecast, forcing relocation of about 2,700 homes and 6,000 residents. The expanded impact zone must be replaced within 10 years at an estimated cost of SEK 22.5 billion.

The weather station in Nikkaluokta recorded a frigid -39.5C, setting the record for the lowest temperature of the winter.

Soaring temperatures are melting snow and ice from Kebnekaise’s southern peak, making the northern part of the mountain Sweden’s highest point.

Kebnekaise mountain in Sweden will no longer be the tallest in the country as the glacier on its highest peak melts rapidly in an unprecedented heat wave.

Sweden's highest mountain Kebnekaise's southern peak has not shrunk further over the last year, scientists say. "I think the explanation is that it was quite a cold summer up here in the Kebnekaise Mountains and at the Tarfala research station so it has not melted away so much" says Nina Kirchner, director at Tarfala research center.

But first tests show very little new snow cover on the glacier from this past winter: ”The snow depth was only 1.2 metres — we had at least double that amount in previous years,” says Nina Kirchner, director of the Tarfala research station.