The fjord is named after Danish Arctic explorer Johan Petersen (1813–1880).

[2] Johan Petersen Fjord runs roughly from northwest to southeast for about 20 km (12 mi).

The Bruckner[3] and Heim[4] glaciers discharge at the head of the fjord.

[1] Qeertartivatsiaq Island is located on the northern side of the entrance of the fjord.

There are Inuit ruins on the southern shore of the island facing the fjord.