This summer, GMES team including, Dr. Leo Surovitskii, Dr. Elisa Piispa, Sam Jensen (MS Geophysics), Miah Mol (BS Geophysics), and Zoé Lacaze (University of Strasbourg), spent six weeks in northwestern Iceland as part of an NSF-funded paleomagnetic research project studying Earth’s magnetic field during the early history of Iceland.
Based in the remote Westfjords village of Drangsnes, the team spent much of their time hiking to lava flow outcrops, drilling core samples, and carefully cataloging each sample for analysis back in the lab. Field days often meant an hour-long drive to a site, roughly six hours of drilling and sample orientation, and then a trip home to rest and prepare for the next day.
For Sam and Miah, the fieldwork was challenging but incredibly rewarding. One of the biggest challenges was maintaining the stamina needed for day after day of demanding fieldwork, including hauling gallons of water up mountainsides to keep the water-cooled drill running.
“I thought I would grow tired of it by the end because of how hard it was, but I truly enjoyed it and could’ve kept going!” Miah said.
The experience also gave Miah a glimpse into a possible future as a geophysicist.
“Getting a taste of what my future career in academia could look like, fieldwork-wise, just made me want to work 10 times harder at my degree!”
For Sam, the trip was an unforgettable opportunity.
“I would say the fact I got to go on this journey is the most surprising part,” Sam said. “I am extraordinarily thankful for this life changing experience.”
Outside of the fieldwork, the team explored Iceland’s spectacular landscapes and wildlife, visited towns and historical sites, and connected with people from different countries and backgrounds. During their free time, Sam explored Reykjavík and the Westfjords, while Miah took a road trip around the entire country during the final week of the trip.
For both students, the friendships they formed were among the highlights of the trip.
“Meeting new people! The locals were all extremely kind,” Sam said. “It was enriching to meet people from starkly different backgrounds than my own.”
“I really enjoyed getting to become friends with people from different countries and backgrounds, and getting to become close with people I never would have met if it wasn’t for this trip!” Miah shared.
And their advice to future students considering a similar opportunity?
Sam said, “Be prepared to work a lot! But also be prepared to take time for yourself and enjoy your surroundings. It all went by so fast.”
Miah offered similar advice: “Take soooo many pictures because you will want to look back on them one day! Also enjoy every moment, even the hard ones, because the hard moments are where you will grow the most!”
From drilling lava flows on remote Icelandic mountainsides to uncovering clues about Earth’s magnetic field, the GMES team returned home with valuable research, new friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime.
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