
The proposed EIC trip to Iceland (October half term next term), is open to all students who will at that time be in Year 10 or above. The trip will have obvious curriculum benefits for those students studying Geography and Physics. Described below are some the planned destinations also included at the bottom are links to further information regarding accommodation and Iceland itself.
Now one of Europe’s most popular destinations, Iceland has natural features in abundance, including icecaps and glaciers, hot springs and geysers, volcanoes, lava flows, ash deserts, mighty rivers, thundering waterfalls and stunning coastlines.
Outline Itinerary
Heimaey
The 1973 eruption produced vast amounts of ash and lava over 5 months, covering buildings and roads and the lava threatening the fishing harbour. A walk to the crater of the volcano (still warm in places!) and across the lava flow is a major highlight. The Surtsey Exhibition, a round- island boat trip and the modern swimming pool are options. A whole day can be spent here, using the newly established ferry link.
Syllabus relevance: The Restless Earth; Tectonic Landscapes; Plate Tectonics and Hazards; The Challenge of Extreme Environments; Living with Natural Hazards.
Blue Lagoon
This mineral-rich lagoon is formed from geo-thermally heated sea water, located beside a geo-thermalenergy plant. A most vivid and startling sight, blue-green algae thrive and the white silica mud suspended in the water gives the lagoon its milky, aquamarine colour; all very therapeutic. There is a pummelling massage water- fall, several saunas and poolside buckets of silica mud to aid further rejuvenation! The surrounding peninsula offers stunning volcanic landscapes of craters, fissures, lava fields and mud puddles.
Syllabus relevance: The Physical World; Tectonic Landscapes; Energy issues; Energy Security; Tourism.
Geysir and Gullfoss
Visit this geo-thermal area of steam vents, hot springs and a beautiful turquoise blue pool. Strokkur Geysir, the very active star, erupts every 6 to 8 minutes. Great Geysir, now dor- mant, sometimes shows limited activity. An informative Interpretation Centre on volca noes and glaciers can be visited. Gullfoss is Iceland’s most famous waterfall; its hugely impressive milky white, glacial meltwater cascade drops 32m in a two-tiered cataract.
Thingvellir
Geographically and historically, Þingvellir is a World Heritage site. Here the European and North American plate boundary and its wide rift valley can be viewed (with long deep fissures – tension lines- running NE to SW). Also, the first democratic parliament in the world was established here in 930AD. This area is exceptionally beautiful in all seasons.
further links/details – click on image below
http://www.hotel-ork.is/
For further questions please see me/email
geography@eic.edu