In February half term, a group of KS4 Geographers from Cheadle Hulme High School set off on an unforgettable trip to Iceland.
The trip gave students the opportunity to witness some of the most impressive geological wonders of the world for themselves!
After arriving at the airport, their adventure began with a scenic drive past lava fields and crater rows.
This took them to the Bridge between Continents, a 15 metre footbridge spanning a fissure between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, where students could see the effects of continental drift in action!
They then headed into Reykjavik to watch the Lava Show, the only place in the world where you can witness lava safely!
Day two began with a visit to Þingvellir National Park, which straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge as the tectonic plates move apart.
Students took in the incredible views across the rift valley and walked up to the frozen Öxarárfoss waterfall.
Next, they visited Geysir, a natural hot spring that erupts up to 30 metres high, and Gulfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls with a 33-metre plunge.
Their final stop of the day was to Fridheimar, the greenhouses where tomatoes are grown all year round using geothermal energy.
On day three, students spent the morning at the LAVA Centre, a museum dedicated to Iceland’s volcanic landscape.
They then proceeded to Skógafoss, another impressive 60-metre waterfall which flows directly from two glaciers.
Following that, students hiked to Sólheimajökull, which translates to ‘sunhouse glacier’, to see the glacier which is retreating by around 100 metres per year.
After a pitstop for lunch in the town of Vík, the group proceeded to Reynisfjara beach.
Here, they saw the otherworldly landscape of the vast black volcanic sands, basalt cliffs, caves and columns.
They continued onto Dyrhólaey, where they saw spectacular views of the natural rock arches and stacks.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall was their final stop of the day for some more photos!
On the final day of the trip, students geared up with crampons and helmets to explore Raufarholshellir, one of Iceland’s longest and largest lava tunnels.
They then visited a viewpoint and had a fun snowball fight before taking a thrilling flyover simulation experience of Iceland.
Finally, they explored the Perlan Museum, where they saw a spectacular sunset across the mountains in the distance.
The trip to Iceland was an unforgettable experience, enabling our Geography students to learn about and experience the country’s amazing geographical formations.