As we read the news regarding the continuing earthquakes in Iceland and the concerns about a possible volcanic eruption, our thoughts go the residents of Grindavik who are being evacuated from their homes. The recent developments are being watched by our A Level Geography students as they consider the wonders that they witnessed on their recent trip to Iceland and the possible devastation that a volcanic eruption is potentially going to cause.

However as we reflect on the Sixth Form trip, we are fortunate that it did not disappoint, as it allowed our Year 13 students to not just understand but experience, the enormous geographic forces which have shaped the countries amazing and varied landscape!

Upon arrival in Iceland, we were greeted by interesting conversations with passport security around the 1400 earthquakes they had had in the previous 24 hours! The premise of feeling actual ground shaking or experiencing a volcanic eruption made for an exciting start to the trip!

An early flight allowed the students to make the most of the first day. The day’s activities included crossing over one the world’s major plate boundaries- The mid-Atlantic ridge, walking through colourful geothermal fields of various mud pools and a trip to Reykjavik, the northern most capital city of the world. However, I think most would agree the highlight of the day was a trip to the hotel car park… Here we were lucky enough to see the Northern lights out in full force! What started as a tiny green smudge in the sky quickly transformed into a sweeping light show of vivid greens and pinks. They definitely lived up to their ‘wonder of the world’ title, remaining a talking point for staff and students for the rest of the trip!

The remaining days were packed full of more amazing experiences including all three golden circle destinations (Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall), a dip in the secret lagoon and a breathtaking walk up to the Sólheimajökulll glacier. However, the lava tunnel could not go without a special mention. The 1.4km tunnel was created over 5000 years ago by an enormous volcanic eruption. The rocks within the tunnel had been formed by cooled lava, the minerals from which coloured the walls in a range of yellows, reds and oranges.  However, the beautiful vibrancy was lost when our guide turned out the lights leaving us all in an absolute darkness which many of us had never experienced! 

The geography department are already looking forward to returning soon to share these awe-inspiring experiences with future Year 13 students. However, it was lovely to see that most of our Sixth Form students were already discussing their own plans to return whilst we were still there! In light of the recent tectonic activity, it will be interesting to see if the landscape has changed upon our next visit.