The Expedition

Iceland is a nation of dramatic extremes, where geysers and steaming lava flows coexist with powerful waterfalls and vast calving glaciers. Located at the edge of the Arctic Circle, much of the country remains under ice. At the same time, Iceland is one of the most volcanically active countries on the planet. This unique combination makes Iceland an ideal laboratory for the study of geothermal energy and climate change. Choose your On Assignment project — Documentary Film, Writing, or Climate & Geology — and learn firsthand about the challenges of climate change while exploring one of the most dynamic physical environments on earth.

REYKJAVÍK
4 days. The program begins with an orientation in vibrant Reykjavík, Europe's northernmost capital. Get essential background on the geology of this subarctic island nation, and learn the basics of climate change. Trace the fascinating history of the Vikings in Iceland. Head out to the Golden Circle, a region renowned for its historic sites, geysers, and thundering waterfalls. Follow a guide through an ultramodern geothermal plant that provides much of Reykjavík's energy. With 70 percent of its energy renewable — and much of that derived from geothermal sources — Iceland is at the forefront of the sustainable power movement. Skirt the shores of Thingvallavatn, the country's largest lake, where a scientist provides an introduction to the effects of global warming on biodiversity. Summer days are very long this far north, and much can be seen and done in a single day. We'll end most days with a refreshing soak in one of Iceland's abundant geothermal pools.

HÖFN AND THE VATNAJÖKULL GLACIER
7 days. Thanks to its location at the edge of the Arctic Circle, much of the country remains under ice. From Reykjavík, journey east to Höfn, a remote gateway to the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier, the world's third-largest ice cap after Antarctica and Greenland. Spend a week here working closely with experts from our host institution, the University of Iceland's Hornafjördur University Centre. Participate in dynamic field-based seminars with experts on glaciology and climate change. Set off on glacier treks and an iceberg cruise in a rapidly expanding glacial lagoon. Explore ice caves and vast glacial moraines. Ride Icelandic horses to black-sand beaches. Interview local fishermen about changes in the composition of fish stocks and seabird populations caused by warming waters.

LAKE MYVATN AND THE NORTHERN COAST
7 days. Iceland straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge. This unique position makes it one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. Head north across the uninhabited interior to the wild volcanic area around Lake Myvatn. Discuss the effects of global warming on aquatic species with local experts. Visit a working archaeological site to learn about early Viking populations. Discover bubbling mud pots, hissing steam vents, and the massive craters of still active volcanoes. Bathe in the therapeutic waters of a natural hot spring, and gaze out at dramatic views of steaming black-lava fields. We'll spend several days near Húsavík, a small fishing village on the Arctic Ocean, where teams will complete their findings and creative presentations. Hike into the forests of Jökulsárljúfur National Park to roaring glacial waterfalls. Set out on a boating excursion in the Arctic Ocean to search for blue and humpback whales.

The program concludes with the presentation of our On Assignment projects. Return to Reykjavík, and end our adventure with a swim in the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal pool.

National Geographic Expert

Environmental scientist, writer, and web producer FORD COCHRAN first visited Iceland while on assignment for National Geographic Television, where he descended into ice caves and an active volcano. Ford has written for National Geographic magazine and was the principal contributing writer for the Society's Historical Atlas of the United States. In 1996, he helped launch nationalgeographic.com, and is today an editorial director of the website. Ford will join us in Höfn.

• Read an interview with Ford