Page:NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE SURVEY 7; DENMARK; MILITARY GEOGRAPHY CIA-RDP01-00707R000200110018-4.pdf/20

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APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200110018-4


FIGURE 17. The coasts of Denmark are fringed mostly by sandy shores, which are backed in places by low cliffs, as along the northern Jutland coast. (C) (photo)


are drainage features and soft, poorly drained with bordering streams. Two 4'8½"-gage railroads, one single track and one double track, and several bituminous or concrete, mostly one-lane roads cross the boundary. The approach from Flensburg is the best land approach to Denmark. It is across low, nearly flat to gently rolling plains. Vegetation consists mainly of cultivated cropland and some grass. Transportation facilities include a two-lane bituminous concrete road in good condition and a double track 4'8½"-gage railroad in good condition. Conditions are generally fair for offroad dispersal and cross-country movement; the major hindrances are wet areas, drainage features, and soft soils for brief periods during thaws following occasional freezing in winter and early spring.


2. Sea (C)

Sea approaches to Denmark are across the North Sea, and through the Skagerrak, the Kattegat, and the Baltic Sea. Conditions are generally unfavorable for large-scale amphibious operations because of partly obstructed and restricted approaches, flat nearshore gradients, and poorly drained terrain backing parts of the coasts. Offshore approaches are mostly deep and clear, but are channelized in a few places. Nearshore approaches are partly obstructed by shallow water, shifting sandbanks, shoals, sandbars, and rough surf, especially in winter. Most of the coast is ice free; sea ice may form in the bays and harbors, however, during the winter months. Nearshore bottom material is mainly sand. Tides are semidiurnal with a maximum spring range of nearly 6 feet. Surf 4 feet or higher may occur at any time of the year; there is a maximum occurrence of 35% during the winter months along the North Sea coast; elsewhere, surf is negligible. Heavy sea and swell ar more common during winter than during the rest of the year. Of the numerous beaches along the coast, the best are located along the northern tip of Jutland, the north coasts of Fyn and Sjaelland Islands, and the east coast of Falster. Exits from the beaches would be fair to good by tracks, trails, and hard- and loose-surfaced roads and by cross-country movement to the main road network.

Sea approaches to the Faeroe Islands are across the North Atlantic Ocean and the Norwegian Sea. Conditions are generally unfavorable for large-scale amphibious operations because of restricted approaches, rocky shores, rugged terrain backing the coast, and poor exits inland. Offshore approaches are generally clear, but nearshore approaches are mostly restricted fjords and are partly obstructed by rocks and shoals. Bottom materials are sand, gravel, and shell. Tides are semidiurnal, and the spring range is 4 feet. Surf 4 feet or higher may occur at any time along the unprotected stretches of coast. Of the beaches along the coasts of the islands, the best are located on the northwestern end of Sudhuroy. Exits from the beaches would be poor.

Of the four amphibious landing areas shown on Figure 19, three are in the strategic area and one provides access to the internal route leading from Lokken, in the northwestern coast of Jutland. Sea


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APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200110018-4