Dear Eos:
In September 2025, Dr. Judi Lax (Department of Geophysics, Tel Aviv University, Israel) and I took a group of 18 students on a field trip to Iceland. The excursion combined academic training with field experience, allowing students to see Earth science in action and to connect theory with real-world geological phenomena.
The 10-day trip included explorations of Iceland’s extraordinary volcanic and glacial landscapes, carbon capture projects, and even space weather via the northern lights. We visited lava fields, active geothermal areas, glacier-shaped terrains, and ice sheets while learning how Iceland embodies our dynamic Earth, from plate tectonics to melting glaciers to solar storms.
Beyond the scientific learning, the journey fostered teamwork and a profound sense of awe and wonder. Standing before immense glaciers and active volcanic systems, many students gained a deeper appreciation for Earth’s power and fragility, and for the importance of studying our changing planet.
In the image, Dr. Lax and I take a break with the students to pose for a photo on the Vatnajökull Glacier.
—Colin Price ([email protected]), Department of Geophysics, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel