Icelandic Glaciers

  Iceland

Skaftafell

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description: Research Mission
Glaciers may be slow, but they move mountains. You can help find out how.

Situation Report
Skaftafell National Park and Kverkfjoll, Iceland -- In 1996, a volcanic eruption beneath Iceland's massive ice cap resulted in a dramatic flood. The raging waters washed millions of tons of sediment and ice blocks into the Atlantic, causing millions of dollars of damage to infrastructure. These kinds of glacial events offer scientists a rare opportunity to understand how glaciers work, how climate change may alter their behavior, and how to prepare for future events. Dr. Andy Russell and colleagues are leading Earthwatch teams into the vast glaciated landscapes surrounding Iceland's ice caps to document evidence of past glacial floods on the landscape. This is a unique opportunity to explore one of the most geologically active areas in the world with a team of leading earth scientists.

Meals and Accommodations
You will be based in huts within one of the most popular natural areas in this unique island nation, with access to flush toilets and nearby hot shower facilities. Food will consist of a mixture of fresh and tinned Icelandic produce prepared indoors on a cooker.

Highlights: On the Expedition
Earth science fieldwork takes persistence and attention to detail, but is easily learned with the expert training of your leaders, who have directed glaciological expeditions in Iceland, Greenland, Norway, and elsewhere. Rotating tasks between field sites, you'll sample and measure sediments and glacial ice and document sediment size and type. You will also learn to survey landforms that most people only see in photographs, using satellite global positioning systems, ground penetrating radar, and electronic distance measurers. Expect breathtaking landscapes of surreal, moonscape-like expanses molded by glaciers and wind. In your spare time, you can enjoy hikes to yet more spectacular views of mountains and glaciers. For a glacial experience on the other side of the world, see our Alaskan teams.

Qualifications: Earthwatch volunteers are enthusiastic to learn about the research topic and are willing to contribute their time and energy to support leading scientists in conducting field research. Volunteers will be trained upon arrival at the research site. Teams have a minimum age of 18, unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian, in which case the minimum age is 16.

Cost in US$: 2,195

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people: educators gain new knowledge and develop exciting lesson plans; students explore career options and build research skills; writers, photographers and artists contribute their skills and share their experiences through a variety of media; businessmen and women, doctors and nurses, engineers, homemakers, retirees . . . people from all walks of life choose to volunteer on research expeditions each year. Volunteers are actively engaged on a daily basis with the research project, develop global perspectives, and explore new cultures and environments.

Age Range: 18 - 90

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Iceland Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6 - 12

Scholarships are Available. - Fellowships may be available, mainly for high-school students and educators. Visit our website for more information.

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement: Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. Hundreds of expedition teams can use your help in 48 countries and 16 U.S. states this year.

Year Founded: 1971