The Land of Ice and Fire: Dynamic Geology of Iceland

Join us for an unforgettable journey into the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, a small island with an astonishing concentration of geological wonders. Straddling the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is one of the most dynamic places on Earth. Here, you can stand in rift valleys where one side of the landmass is drifting toward Europe and the other toward North America. The island pulses with geothermal energy: hot springs, bubbling mudpots, steaming fumaroles, and active volcanic systems shape the terrain in real time. Home to the original Geysir, Iceland has given its name to geysers around the world. While many eruptions produce slow-moving lava flows, the island’s volcanic history also includes dramatic and explosive events that have reshaped both landscape and climate.

Glaciers crown the island’s volcanic foundation, including Vatnajökull, the largest icefield in Europe. Iceland is also home to one of the world’s largest known paleo-megaflood sites, a reminder of the immense forces that have sculpted this remarkable terrain. Drawing on experience leading four educational expeditions to Iceland for the Smithsonian Institution, Scott Burns will share scientific insights alongside personal stories from the field. And, with a nod to Iceland’s deep Scandinavian roots, the program will also explore the rich cultural history that intertwines with this extraordinary geology.

In celebration of Earth Day, this program invites us to reflect on the powerful forces that shape our planet, and our responsibility to understand and care for it. Iceland’s renewable geothermal and hydroelectric energy, its glaciers, and its ever-shifting landscapes offer a compelling lens through which to consider climate, sustainability, and the dynamic systems that make life on Earth possible.

Discover why Iceland is truly a living laboratory—where fire and ice meet in spectacular fashion.

About the Presenter

Scott Burns has been studying geological hazards around the world, especially in Oregon and Washington, for 50 years. He can talk about landslides, earthquakes, floods, volcanoes, radon, and tsunamis, as well as National Parks, of which he has been teaching a course for 28 years, and the relationship between soils, climate, grapes, and wine.

Cost

General Admission: $25

Member Admission: $20

Please note: all ticket sales are final