One of the most fascinating countries in Europe in terms of natural wonders and remarkable scenery. Comprising glaciers, mountains, gorges, waterfalls, volcanoes and a raft of geothermal features all wrapped up in a Norse culture that is centuries old, this is truly a unique European destination. Iceland is a country shaped by nature, offering the visitor a multitude of experiences from active adventure to leisurely exploration and it succeeds in attracting visitors over and over again.
The Country
Both inspiring and surprising, the landscapes range from the sublime to the surreal and are complemented by a vibrant modern culture, which draws from its own rich heritage as well as influences from both sides of the Atlantic.
From a study perspective, Iceland is a living laboratory where nature's land forming processes are so easy to see. The cycle of raw material (magma) to solid rock, to regolith and the various weathering, erosional and transportational processes are manifestly clear to the student. Iceland has been described as the 'Land of Ice and Fire' and no wonder in view of the stark contrast between erupted magma on the one hand and huge streams of ice on the other. Nevertheless Iceland is an incredibly beautiful land of contrasts with fertile valleys, cascading waterfalls and tranquil fjords contributing to a softer side.
Ideal for Field Studies
Geographically and biologically Iceland occupies a strategic position in the North Atlantic. It straddles the actively volcanic mid-Atlantic Ridge and lies far enough north to support permanent ice even though it lies in the path of the North Atlantic Drift. It is therefore an ideal place to study the effects of tectonic and glacial activity. Climatically, though sub-Arctic, its position is marginal to the tundra zone and thus it sees the effects of rapid changes in weather conditions - rain, snow and frost to provide the products of prodigious weathering and erosion. The population and population density are very low but the wealth of hydro and geothermal energy coupled with the ingenuity of the inhabitants makes Iceland one of the most prosperous countries in Europe. Iceland's cultural identity is very strong and its landscape filled with fascinating glimpses of a colourful history. No wonder the country is so attractive for a wide variety of academic studies whether demographic, geological, geographical or biological. From another perspective its diverse landscapes, vivid colours and varied light conditions provide ideal conditions for art and photography students. Please find further details below:
Geology & Tectonics
Geologically Iceland is young, its oldest rocks being the piles of Tertiary basalts that are split SW - NE by the neo-volcanic zone that represents the central graben of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This is the only place where a mid-ocean ridge comes to the surface in its entirety and as such offers a unique opportunity to study its structures and the volcanics that are associated with it. Eruptions occur every 5 - 10 years and so there is always something new. Earthquakes are a regular occurrence and their effects may be seen in the landscape. Because the land forming processes are so active this is an ideal place to study surface processes and to contrast the results so easily.
Glaciers & Glaciations
Approximately 10% of Iceland is covered in permanent ice of which most is in the southern part of the island. All types of glacier are represented here from icecaps to cirques and valley glaciers. Their margins are easily accessible and the landforms that they produce readily studied. Being temperate glaciers they produce a lot of meltwater into powerful rivers that carry vast quantities of debris to the south coast for the ocean waves to transport. Icelandic glaciers advanced in the 1750's and, in retreat, have left a legacy of relatively fresh morainic debris to study. Even if you do not study glaciers there are strong links to weather conditions, climate change, isostasy, hydrology, natural hazards, plant successions and extreme environments.
Geothermal Energy
Iceland is blessed with abundant geothermal energy, which has been harnessed for power and space heating. Most homes in Iceland are now provided with natural hot water and in the south it is widely used for horticulture. This element of Iceland's natural resources is also an important tourist attraction whether in the form of hot springs and geysers or bathing pools such as the Blue Lagoon.
There are numerous open-air swimming pools, which also take advantage of the hot geothermal water. You will have the opportunity to see this raw energy being used.
Natural Phenomona
Hazards may be natural or induced by human activity. On occasions they may have severe consequences though in most instances the hazard is 'controlled'. Generally speaking and with due care and attention, Iceland is a safe place to study natural phenomena. Its location across mid-Atlantic Ridge means that volcanic eruptions are experienced every 5 years or so and earthquakes more frequently. The combination of volcanic and geothermal activity brings about the risk of glacier bursts the most dramatic of which occurred in October 1996 when the discharge from the glacier reached 40,000m3/sec. Rapid changes in weather conditions and the subsequent effects of erosion produce regular storms, landslides and avalanches. Winter driving conditions can be severe and housing needs to be robust and warm. In short you could say that in the last century Icelanders have been blown up, overrun by lava, shaken about, flooded out, blown about, or buried by ash, rocks or snow. No wonder they have elaborate prediction and evacuation systems. This is an ideal place to study hazards.
Man & Landscape
There has always been a strong link between human activity and the Icelandic landscape. In what can be an unforgiving environment people have been forced to develop structures to survive, whether it be housing, food storage or road construction. In the past the people disturbed the fragile ecosystem by removing trees and allowing their livestock to graze. This coupled with winter snows and snowmelt, sometimes high wind velocities and volcanic eruptions has resulted in severe soil erosion by both water and wind. The balance is increasingly understood and interesting to study in terms of soils and slope evolution. Human geography can also be studied here, with Reykjavik providing an interesting case study for population movements and the trend for counter urbanisation.
Environmental Impact
Increasing pressures on land for housing, recreation, tourism and industry bring new situations regularly to the attention of a public that traditionally has had a strong conservationist ethos. Some projects such as the East Iceland Karahnjukur Project even awakened an international voice. How do you justify, plan and develop new projects such as hydro-electric power or aluminium plants in such a way that sustainability is ensured? Those wishing to practise their skills can do so in several real or hypothetical situations.
General Science
We do not profess to be anything other than Geographers but we are well aware of a range of general science topics that go hand in hand with the geographical ones. Many, such as rock types, volcanic activity and the Water Cycle are readily identified but specific studies may be made of vegetation, bird life, food chains, soil reclamation, microbiology of hot springs, whales, various conservation issues, and even the homeostatic response to temperature changes.
Tourism Studies
66% of Iceland's GNP is in the service sector, which includes tourism as a major element. Iceland has two passenger airlines and a host of accommodation of various kinds with an infrastructure to support the tourism industry. Tourist pressure and conservation issues have been at the forefront of developments and there are many opportunities for students to study impact at various scales from small waterfalls to protected areas and national parks.
Photography & Art Studies
With its vibrant colours, moody landscapes and extraordinary landforms, Iceland cannot fail to ignite and inspire new ideas. Whether it be photography, fine art, textiles, ceramics or mixed media, students will appreciate the immense choice of subject matter: shimmering icebergs, riotously coloured mountains, twisted lava, basalt columns, luminous-green moss, black sand desert and water in all its infinite variety of forms. With the constantly changing play of light and shadow it is no wonder that artists and photographers are fascinated by Iceland.