National Geographic Student Expeditions - Iceland - Travel Programs for High School Students

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—Photography, Climate & Geology, or Filmmaking—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 relaxing soak in one of Iceland's abundant geothermal pools.

HÖFN AND THE VATNAJÖKULL GLACIER

7 days. 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. Visit the original landing place of the Vikings, a peninsula of rugged cliffs dotted with puffins. 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 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 MÝVATN AND THE NORTHERN COAST

6 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 Mývatn. Discuss the effects of global warming on aquatic species with local experts. Learn about early Viking populations and how they dealt with their own version of climate change. 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. Spend several days near Húsavík, a small fishing village on the Arctic Ocean, where we'll complete our final On Assignment presentations. Hike into the forests of Jökulsárgljúfur National Park to roaring glacial waterfalls. Set out on a boating excursion in the Arctic Ocean to search for blue, minke, 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 descended into ice caves and an active volcano on his first visit to Iceland while on assignment for National Geographic Television. He has led climate-oriented research projects on Mount St. Helens and Hawaii's volcanoes. Ford was principal contributing writer for the Society's Historical Atlas of the United States and has written for National Geographic magazine. He helped launch nationalgeographic.com in 1996 and is now an editorial director and daily blogger for the website.

• Read an interview with Ford

Choose one of these On Assignment projects. Throughout your expedition, break into teams to delve further into your selected area of focus.

icon for Photography On Assignment Project PHOTOGRAPHY: Capture images of gushing waterfalls, steaming fumaroles, and glaciers that stretch for miles and develop a photo-essay on Iceland's fascinating geology. Tell the story of Icelandic culture through portraits of fishermen, children, scientists, and farmers you meet. Hone your skills as you shoot pictures of Icelandic horses and puffins.

icon for Climate and Geology On Assignment Project CLIMATE & GEOLOGY: Delve into the science behind global climate change and thermodynamic energy. Initiate a GPS project to measure and map the recession of glacial tongues. Build a model glacier, or measure your group's carbon footprint. Trek up a glacier with a professional guide to learn about glacial dynamics and morphology.

icon for Filmmaking On Assignment Project FILMMAKING: Document your journey as part of a digital video-production team. Film receding glaciers, erupting geysers, and hissing volcanic steam vents. Interview local experts on the effect of climate change in this region, or film a day in the life of an Icelandic teenager. Use mobile-editing technology to produce a short film.

Your participation in a National Geographic Student Expedition provides support to National Geographic's mission of increasing global understanding through exploration, geography education, and research.