Jan Mayen

Jan Mayen is located at 71.08 ° N 8.30 ° W, and is an island of 370 square kilometres. The only active Norwegian volcano, Beerenberg, is located here. It had its last eruption in 1985. Beerenberg is also one of the highest mountains in Norway with its 2277 metres.

The Norwegian Meteorological Institute established its first station on Jan Mayen in 1921-22, and at the same time occupied the island on behalf of the Norwegian government. After the Second World War the station was moved to the northwest side of the island. In 1962 it was moved to its present location on the southeast side, where the National Defence established its LORAN-station. This small community is called Olonkinbyen.

The coastal radio station has since 1995 been operated from Bodø by satellite. The meteorological observation station is manned with four persons responsible for radiosonde observations and synoptic weather observations. The National Defence has a staff of fourteen persons responsible for the operation of the LORAN-system, the airport and other infrastructure.

The meteorological station is located three kilometres away from the rest of the community. All transport on the island is done by car. Supplies are delivered eight times a year by the Hercules-plane belonging to the National Defence. Fuel and heavy goods are delivered by ship during the summer season.

The staff is assigned for six months periods, and is replaced in April and October.