GCSE geographers headed to the land of ice and fire to see first-hand some of the fascinating geographical features that Iceland has to offer.
A group of 45 Fourth and Fifth Year Hamptonians embarked on an unforgettable five-day expedition to the spectacular Nordic island over the half term break, immersing themselves in the country’s natural wonders. The pupils began their adventure with a visit to the Reykjanes Peninsula, where they marvelled at the striking coastal scenery and witnessed first-hand the geothermal activity at the Seltún mudpots and fumaroles. They also ventured underground to the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel, exploring where lava once flowed and seeing ice stalagmites and stalactites along they way. The pupils even got to experience total pitch-black darkness at the end of the tunnel!
One of the trip’s most awe-inspiring moments was a visit to Seljalandsfoss, a spectacular 60-metre waterfall fed by meltwater from the glacier-capped Eyjafjallajökull Volcano. Another highlight of the trip was the hike around Sólheimajökull, a glacier tongue that lies south of the Mýrdalsjökull Glacier. Kitted out with helmets, crampons and an ice axe, the Hamptonians explored the features of the majestic glacier while appreciating the breathtaking natural landscape around them.
The pupils also visited the famous Golden Circle route, including the iconic Gulfoss Waterfall, the Geysir geothermal area and Thingvellir, where the geographers could witness first-hand the Eurasian and North American plates pulling apart. Lunch was a delicious tomato soup at Friðheimar Tomato Farm where tomatoes are grown all year round in geothermal greenhouses, despite the long and dark winter.
The final stop of the trip took the pupils to Reykjavík, where they embarked on an exhilarating 4D cinematic tour of Iceland, complete with wind, mist, and the unmistakable scent of sulphur, bringing the country’s natural beauty to life. The trip concluded with a visit to the Lava Show, where Hamptonians witnessed a simulated volcanic eruption using superheated lava—a fascinating end to an educational and inspiring trip.
Mr Tom Hill, Geography teacher and organiser of the biennial trip, was delighted with how the Hamptonians absorbed the extraordinary environment of this remarkable country:
Back to All ArticlesIceland is a Geographers playground, it’s unbeatable combination of volcanoes, glaciers, earthquake activity and geothermal energy makes for a fascinating field trip. The Fourth and Fifth year geographers had an amazing time, and I hope that many of the boys came back with photos and memories to last a lifetime.
