Expedition Report
In July–September 1956, two second-year geology students from Imperial College undertook a six-week expedition to Iceland, supported by the Imperial College Exploration Board. The primary objectives were to study Iceland’s volcanic geology broadly and to conduct detailed geological mapping of a specific area on the south coast of Reydarfjordur in eastern Iceland.
The journey began on 2 July, traveling by ship (M.V. Gullfoss) from Leith to Reykjavik, followed by a circuit of Iceland to observe key geological features. Early stops included Hekla, Myrdalsjökull, and Solheimajökull glaciers, the geysers at Geysir, and the tectonic fissures at Thingvellir. The team explored volcanic landscapes such as lava fields, hornitos, explosion craters, and geothermal areas, gaining insight into Iceland’s active geology. They also visited Myvatn, famous for its fissure eruptions, lava tubes, and Dimmuborgir formations, and reached the Arctic Circle at Raufarhöfn before heading east.
From 20 July to late August, the team focused on mapping a 20–25 square mile area between Reydarfjordur and Faskrudsfjordur. The region consists mainly of Tertiary basaltic lavas interbedded with tuffs and agglomerates, intruded by rhyolitic flows, dykes, and sills. Notable features include columnar jointing, vesicular tops with zeolite and calcite infillings, and minor faults. Several rhyolite intrusions (e.g., Ljosafjall, Breiddalsa) and extensive dyke swarms were documented. Petrographic analysis identified four main rock types: olivine basalt, porphyritic basalt, tholeiite, and rhyolite, with detailed mineralogical descriptions provided.
The expedition highlighted Iceland’s geomorphology shaped by volcanism, uplift, and glaciation, producing rugged terrain with fjords, corries, and waterfalls. Observations confirmed rapid glacial retreat and rising land surfaces. Despite logistical challenges—poor roads, harsh weather, and high costs—the team successfully completed mapping and collected 45 rock specimens. This pioneering study contributed valuable geological data on eastern Iceland and reinforced the significance of field-based research in understanding volcanic processes.
