Geography and Geology fieldtrip to Iceland
Our GCSE and A-level Geography and Geology students gained a fantastic insight into the topics covered by both subjects with a fieldtrip to Iceland for 7 days in February half term. Examples included glaciation, hydrology, volcanoes and plate tectonics. This trip provided a fabulous opportunity to understand the landscape and tectonic background of this beautiful island.
On arrival, the group stopped off at the famous Blue Lagoon to enjoy a sauna, steam baths and a massage waterfall-all much needed after the very long day of travel. The Blue Lagoon is a unique lake with warm mineral-rich geothermal water in the middle of a black lava field. Natural silica salts and minerals give the Lagoon its rich blue colour.
The group also visited the Snæfelsness Peninsula, a geological paradise with its lava fields, volcanoes, glaciers, yellow and black sand beaches and caves. The main attraction is Snaefellsjökull glacier with its beautifully shaped stratovolcano. They then visited Djúpalónssandur, a beach area of unusual lava pebbles and jagged cliffs. On a tour of the Golden Circle & Efstidalur. they visited Þingvellir which is twinned with Thingwall, Wirral and is the site of the world's oldest democratic parliament, founded in 930 A.D
Trips were also arranged to Kerid, a volcanic crater thought to be around 3000 years old, beautiful Gullfoss, the huge ‘golden’ waterfall and impressive canyon where tectonic actions and erosion by water join forces to create a stunning landscape, the Great Geysir and Strokkur geyser-spouting up to 30 metres. From their hotel in Dyrholaey they witnessed the fabulous Northern lights display.
Further visits during the week included the Skaftafell & Jokulsarlon Tour, the South Shore & Lava Centre and the Reykjanes Peninsula including the Hellisheidi Power Plant and Lake Kleifarvatn, Gunnuhver and the Bridge between Continents to see the Mid Atlantic Ridge that divides the North American and European tectonic plates. Iceland is the only place on Earth where the ridge can be seen on land.
An amazing experience for all who took part!