Geography Field Trip – Iceland 2009

In July 2009 over 40 Geography students from Years 10 to U6, along with four members of staff, had the experience of a lifetime when they travelled to Iceland for a six day field trip. Staying at the Hotel Ork, 45 minutes from Reykjavik, the students enhanced their geographical understanding by exploring different parts of this breathtaking country each day, before returning in the evening to relax in the hotel pool and geothermally heated hot tubs – an Icelandic specialty!

The students were introduced to the unique geography of Iceland with a visit to the Thingvellir Rift Valley - one of the most important geographical and historical sites in Iceland, where the rift between the European and North American tectonic plates can easily be seen by the long deep cracks in the ground. It is also of great importance to Icelanders as the seat of the Icelandic government for many centuries, from its creation in 930AD! Next stop was the stunning Strokkkur Geyser, which erupts every 6-8 minutes sending boiling water 15 metres high in the air, followed by a visit to Iceland’s most famous waterfall – Gullfoss. The breathtaking cascade drops 32 metres into a 70 metre deep canyon and is one of the most spectacular geographical features of this extraordinary country. The dynamic nature of the landscape was further brought home to the group when they ventured into the volcanic crater at Kerid, fortunately now extinct!

The second day presented the students with the opportunity to walk behind the spectacular waterfall at Seljalandfoss, before taking the off-road coach along one of Iceland’s many gravel roads to visit a magnificent valley glacier called Gigjokull. The effects of climate change were starkly revealed when comparing the glacier with photos taken on previous field trips in 2002 and 2006. Day 3 saw an expedition to Skogafoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most famous sights, steeped in local folklore, and a visit to the Skogar Folk museum. This provided a fascinating insight into Icelandic history and culture, revealing the ways in which the local people coped with such a harsh environment.

The final two days included visits to some more of the most beautiful locations in Iceland, including Hekla, Iceland’s most active volcano. The walk through a valley full of geothermal features at Landmannalaugar, including steam vents, fumeroles and obsidian lava flows, followed by the opportunity to bathe in a warm brook created by the hot and cold springs, is something that none of the party will ever forget. Before flying home, the students enjoyed the opportunity to explore Reykjavik – the world’s most northern capital city - before rounding off the field trip in style with a swim in the world famous, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon.