PECS - Polar Expeditions Classification Scheme

Crossing

A Path Variant

A Crossing is a Path that crosses from a Coastline, Offshore or Mid-Ocean margin to an opposite margin via a recognisable point and can be divided into 2 variants.

A Crossing is also a variant of a Crossing Path.

Greenland Crossings can be further divided into 4 variants.

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CROSSING

A Crossing of Antarctica:

  • has a minimum of 90 degrees of arc between start and end
  • touches the ACSA (see Definitions)

A Crossing of the Arctic Ocean:

  • has a minimum of 90 degrees of arc between start and end
  • touches the Northern Poles Line (see Definitions)

A Crossing of Greenland:

  • includes a minimum of 400km in linear distance
  • has a minimum of 90 degrees of arc between start and end in relation to the Ice Divide (see Definitions)
  • starts and ends at margins that can be justified as opposite
  • crosses or parallels the Ice Divide
  • see Greenland Crossing Variants for more options

Crossing variants: Full Crossing; Crossing; Inland Crossing; Mid-Ocean Crossing

Examples: Crossing of Antarctica, Full Crossing of Greenland


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DOUBLE CROSSING

A Double Crossing, typically of Greenland or its ice sheet, must include a minimum of 800km in linear distance and reach opposite coastlines.

Double Crossing variants: Full Double Crossing; Double Crossing; Inland Double Crossing; Mid-Ocean Double Crossing

Example: Double Crossing of Greenland



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GREENLAND CROSSINGS

Greenland's oblong shape requires unique classification criteria with 4 variants.

Greenland crossings are not obliged to use variant descriptors, all can be labelled Crossing of Greenland or Greenland Crossing (so long as general Path criteria are satisfied).

Latitudinal Greenland Crossing

A straight line connecting the start and end points of a Latitudinal Greenland Crossing is 22.5º angle or less in relation to a line of latitude.

Latitudinal Crossing variants: Full Latitudinal Crossing; Latitudinal Crossing; Inland Latitudinal Crossing; Double Latitudinal Crossing



Diagonal Greenland Crossing

A straight line connecting the start and end points of a Diagonal Greenland Crossing is greater than 22.5º angle in relation to true north/south and a line of latitude.

Diagonal Crossing variants: Full Diagonal Crossing; Diagonal Crossing; Inland Diagonal Crossing; Double Diagonal Crossing



Longitudinal Greenland Crossing

A straight line connecting the start and end points of a Longitudinal Greenland Crossing is 22.5º angle or less in relation to true north/south.

Longitudinal Crossing variants: Full Longitudinal Crossing; Longitudinal Crossing; Inland Longitudinal Crossing; Double Longitudinal Crossing


North-South or South-North Greenland Crossing

The start and end points of a North to South or South to North Greenland Crossing are above and below latitudes 80º and 62º north respectively.

NS/SN Crossing variants: Full NS/SN Crossing; NS/SN Crossing; Inland NS/SN Crossing; Double NS/SN Crossing



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