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The Royal Scottish Geographical Society

Reports from European Expeditions

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For further information and details of available documentation about any expedition listed below please click on the appropriate line: -

Expeditions supported by RSGS are indicated by an asterisk at the right-hand end of the heading *

Buckie High School Field Excursion to Morocco, 2001

Documentation

  • Report (2pp) / by Laura J.M. Girdwood.

Tungnaarjokull, Iceland 2001 - University of Glasgow Exploration Society *

Documentation

  • Expedition Report (20pp).

Laki Underground 2000 : The Bournemouth / Dundee Universities Joint Expedition to Iceland

Purpose

  • To search for and map lava tube caves in the Laki lava flow field (Skaftáreldarhraun), S. Iceland, and to experiment with near-surface geophysical methods to establish if it was possible to detect and map such caves from the surface.

Documentation

  • Short Report (1p);
  • Expedition Report (36pp) / prepared by Chris Wood ... [and others] - ISBN 1 85899 127 7.

Arctic Norway Research Programme 2000 (ANRP 2000) - Queen's University Belfast *

Documentation

  • Expedition Report (7pp) / by Alan Robertson ... [and others];
  • Web-site.

Joint Universities Expedition to Bruarjokull / Eyjabakkajokull, Iceland - University of Glasgow Exploration Society, 2000 *

Aims

  • To enable students to experience an environment which would otherwise be unobtainable within the UK;
  • To further the University of Glasgow's growing reputation for the systematic mapping and interpretation of Icelandic glaciers.

Documentation

  • Report (10pp) / co-written and edited by Stephen Thomson and Stuart Wilson.

Joint Universities Expedition to Thorisjokull, Iceland - University of Glasgow Exploration Society, 1999 *

Aims

  • To enable the undergraduate to experience an environment which would otherwise be unobtainable within the UK;
  • To complete the first complete survey of the geomorphology of Thorisjokull.

Documentation

  • Report (18pp) / written by Stephen Thomson.

Joint Universities Expedition to Breidamerkurjokull, Iceland - University of Glasgow Exploration Society, 1998 *

Aims

  1. To enable the undergraduate to experience an environment which would otherwise be unobtainable within the UK;
  2. To complete another survey of the Breidmerkurjokull margin in keeping with previous University of Glasgow research;
  3. To produce a 1998 version of the retreat of Breidmerkurjokull which could be used in reference to a series of research papers.

Documentation

  • Report (35pp).

Iceland Expedition - Dundee University, 1998 (DUIE) *

Main Aim

  • To undertake a programme of scientific research in the Myrdallsjokull Icecap region, on the following primary topics: -
    • The relationship between ablation rate, runoff generation, and weather conditions;
    • Short-term velocity variations related to weather changes in early summer conditions;
    • The effect of Katla 1918 tephra input on meltwater chemistry;
    • The interpretation of Holocene moraine forming processes with reference to established theories.

Documentation

  • Expedition Report (83pp).

Svalbard Expedition (Spitsbergen) - University of Aberdeen, 1996 *

Aims

  • Through the collection of soil samples, measurements in the field and observations made in Svalbard, four degree theses were completed: -
    1. Pedology of Arctic Soils : Sassendalen a Case Study;
    2. Comparison of Three International Soil Classification Systems in Mapping Sassendalen, Spitsbergen;
    3. A Comparison of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Peat Soils from Svalbard & NE Scotland;
    4. The Use of Stream Water Chemistry in Geological/Geochemical Mapping.

Documentation

  • Report (23pp).

WWT / IINH Fieldwork Research, 1996 *

Aims

  1. To mark with leg rings and neck-collars Pink-footed and Greylag Geese to: -
    • assess first autumn mortality through reported hunting recoveries;
    • establish baseline estimates of inter- and intra-species age-class survival;
    • assess movements and the timing of passage of geese;
  2. To discover the brood size of both types of geese.

Spitsbergen - Glasgow University Exploration Society, 1996 *

Aims

  1. Patterned ground, its regularity and from;
  2. Controlled moraine development in Spitsbergen;
  3. A study of stagnant debris-rich ice in St. Jonsfjorden, Spitsbergen;
  4. Applying theories of flute formation to examples associated with bullbreen glacier, Spitsbergen.

Iceland - Peebles High School, 1995 *

Aims

  1. To provide young people and adults alike with challenge and adventure;
  2. To allow expedition members to experience the essential elements of the landscape of wilderness Iceland;
  3. To stimulate and develop understanding of that environment by means of a planned scientific programme.

Northern Cyprus Turtle Conservation - Glasgow University Vet School, 1995 *

Documentation

  • Report on continuing project assessing various impacts to the reproductive cycles of the Green and Loggerhead Turtles.

Iceland - University of Glasgow, 1995

Documentation

  • Reports on: -
    1. Glacier microclimate of the Bruarjokull region of the Vatnajokull icecap;
    2. Resarch on a paleolacustrine environment on Bruarjokull;
    3. Sedimentology of a Gravel Bar in an Ice Contact Environment;
    4. Post-Depositional changes on the nature of Lodgement Till as a function of time.

Votlendi, Iceland - Edinburgh University Ecology, 1994 *

Aim

  • To study the effects of drainage on wetland areas over a six week period in July and August, 1994.

Northern Cyprus Turtle Conservation - Glasgow University Vet School, 1994 *

Documentation

  • Report on continuing project assessing various impacts to the reproductive cycles of the Green and Loggerhead Turtles.

Iceland - University of Glasgow, 1994 *

Documentation

  • Reports on 14 separate projects, in the following 5 categories of research: -
    1. Glacial Hydrology and Fluvial Geomorphology;
    2. Deposition Landforms;
    3. Development of the Proglacial area;
    4. Coastal Geomorphology;
    5. Topographic Survey.

Northern Cyprus Turtle Conservation - Glasgow University Vet School, 1993 *

Documentation

  • Report on continuing project assessing various impacts to the reproductive cycles of the Green and Loggerhead Turtles.

Heinabergsjokull, Iceland - University of Glasgow, 1993 *

Main Aim

  • To introduce a small party of undergraduate students to research in an area where glacial processes could be seen at first hand.   The research data collected would be added to that already collected by the Geography Department.   Individual areas of research included microclimatic study, investigations into soil development across the moraines and various geomorphology and geology topics.

St Kilda - Grampian Region Educational and Scientific Expedition, 1993 *

Aims

  1. To visit and explore the St. Kilda archipelago;
  2. To carry out basic scientific work;
  3. To gain sailing experience and become competent in crewing a ketch;
  4. To develop teamwork.

Iceland - Peebles High School, 1992 *

Aims

  • To provide young people with an adventure experience in a wilderness area, to provide learning through field studies and to gain an awareness of the value and fragility of wilderness.

Faroe Islands - St Machar Academy, Aberdeen, 1992 *

Documentation

  • Report on project to provide young people with an adventure experience whilst providing them with knowledge of sailing, and fostering team-building skills.

Jostedalsbreen Research Expedition - University of St Andrews, 1991 *

Aims

  1. To provide logistic support for research carried out by staff and postgraduate students;
  2. To provide students with training in research techniques;
  3. To allow undergraduates the opportunity to develop their own research projects;
  4. To illustrate aspects of the physical geography courses taught at St. Andrews.

Norway - University of Glasgow, 1991 *

Project

  • The dating of inter-basinal neoglacial moraine sequences and geomorphic events, Sogn-og-Fjordane, Norway.

Geological Expedition to Iceland - University of Edinburgh, 1991 *

Documentation

  • Report on fieldwork undertaken at: -
    1. Thjofadalir Volcanic Centre, NE Langjokull;
    2. Birgarfell Rock Glacier, North Vatnajokull.

St Kilda - Grampian Region Educational and Scientific Expedition, 1990 *

Objectives

  1. A marine mammal survey;
  2. A plankton survey;
  3. A survey of the distribution of the St Kildan mouse.

Folgefonnen High Plateau, Norway - James Gillespie High School, 1990 *

Goals

  1. Lichenometric dating of both lateral moraines;
  2. Vegetation analysis across the "gletschervorfeld";
  3. Till fabric and moraine analysis on the eastern continuation of the recessional and push moraines identified in 1988;
  4. Comparitive studies on the Pitabreen forefront and ice crystallography.

Norway - Bridge of Don & Dyce Academies, 1990 *

Objective

  • O.Y.C. (Ocean Youth Club) sailing trip to Norway.

St Kilda - Grampian Region Educational and Scientific Expedition, 1990 *

Documentation

  • Account of sailing trip to St. Kilda.

South-East Iceland (Phase 2) - George Watson's College, Edinburgh, 1990 *

Aims

  1. To continue the exploration and field study of this remote part of Iceland;
  2. To undertake a variety of field projects which allow comparison with Geithellnadalur, and which facilitate a better understanding of this area and its fragile environment;
  3. To undertake an adventure programme incorporating crossing the Hofsjokull cap and trekking to Vididalur.

Bondhusbreen, Southern Norway - James Gillespie High School, Edinburgh, 1988 *

Aims

  • To measure and investigate the nature, origin, and age of a series of small morainic ridges at the glacial forefront of the Bondhusbreen Glacier, which branches off the Folgefonnen Ice Cap towards Maurangerfjord in Southern Norway.

Documentation

  • Preliminary Notes & Fieldwork Handbook (17pp);
  • Final Report (42pp).

South East Iceland (Phase 1) - George Watson's College, Edinburgh, 1988 *

Aims

  1. To give the expedition members a complete expedition experience;
  2. To undertake a thorough reconnaissance of an area which is not well known to British Youth Expeditions;
  3. To develop an enhanced appreciation of the environment through fieldwork;
  4. To undertake journeys above and beyond Geithellnadalur.

Documentation

  • Report (32pp).

Kelifos-Koufos Geological Expedition, Sithonian Peninsula, North-East Greece - University of Edinburgh, 1987

Purpose

  • To study the geology of the island of Kelifos and the mainland area of Koufos on the peninsula of Sithonia, Chalikidiki, North-East Greece.

Documentation

  • Report.

Southern Range, Cyprus - University of Edinburgh, 1987

Objective

  • Studies on the breakdown of Pinus Brutia stumps by insects, and observations on nutrient cycling in forests.

Lyngen Research Expedition, Norway - University of St Andrews, 1986 *

Aims

  • The execution of research projects initiated both by department staff and by undergraduates and postgraduates carrying-out research for their Honours dissertations and PhD theses respectively;
  • The training of undergraduates in research techniques;
  • Illustration of aspects of physical geography taught in courses within the department.

Documentation

  • Prospectus (12pp).

Scientific Expedition to Norway - Edinburgh Academy, 1985 *

Aim

  • To undertake a programme of field investigations into the complex and controversial problem of acid rain.

Documentation

  • Report (71pp).

Geomorphological and Environmental Studies in Southern Iceland - University of Aberdeen, 1983 *

Documentation

  • 13 reports dealing with: -
    1. glacial fluctuations of the Solheimajokull glacier;
    2. glacially associated depositional and erosional features in the area;
    3. meltwater characteristics of the Solheimajokull glacier.

Lyngen Research Expedition, Norway - University of St. Andrews, 1983 *

Aims

  • The execution of research projects concerned with aspects of the physical geography of the Lyngen Peninsula;
  • The training of undergraduates in research techniques;
  • The illustration of aspects of physical geography taught in courses within the department.

Documentation

  • Expedition Report (108pp).

Norway - University of Aberdeen, 1982 *

Documentation

  • 9 scientific reports within the following themes: -
    1. glacial studies;
    2. fluvial studies;
    3. vegetation studies.

Joint Universities (Exeter and St. Andrews) Expedition to North Iceland, 1981

Documentation

  • Prospectus (4pp).

Sporades Islands Expedition - University of Edinburgh, 1982

Documentation

  • Report on ecological study of the Sporades Islands of Greece.

North Iceland - Exeter University, 1979 *

Main Aim

  • To continue monitoring the position of Gljufurarjokull, a small head glacier lying in the upper-most section of a hanging valley above the main trough of Skidadalur.

Documentation

  • Report (ii+53pp) / compiled by C.J. Caseldine.

North-West Iceland Expedition - University of Aberdeen, 1979 *

Documentation

  • Preliminary Report (28pp), on three projects: -
    1. Suspended and solute load variation of the Morilla meltwater stream of Kaldalonsjokull;
    2. Ablation variation on Kaldalonsjokull;
    3. Development of patterned ground at the margin of Drangajokull.

Andoya, Arctic Norway - Royal Air Force, 1979 *

Aim

  • To further research into bird behaviour for the purpose of improving bird control on airfields, by undertaking an expedition of scientific exploration to Andoya (Duck Island), 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle.

Documentation

  • Report (40pp).

Arolla Expedition, Switzerland - University of Glasgow, 1977 *

Objectives

  1. The establishment of a network of points to provide control for photogrammetric plotting of the Upper and Lower Arolla Glaciers;
  2. A similar objective for the Tsijiore Nouve Glacier;
  3. The establishment of semi-permanent points for use of the Southampton students in their glacial and geomorphological studies in the area.

Documentation

  • A Report (32pp).

Seil, Easdale, Luing - University of Glasgow, 1977

Aims

  • To establish a comprehensive database relating to both physical and human geographical aspects of the study area and to document the results of desk studies and field survey work in the form of an expedition report.

Expedition to the Outer Hebrides - Aberdeen University Sub-Aqua Club, 1977 *

Documentation

  • Report (18pp), with chapters on: -
    • Research on submerged terrestrial organic deposits;
    • Growth studies on Pecten Maximus (Great Scallop);
    • Territorial behaviour in the edible crab;
    • A Biometric survey of Laminaria Hyperborea L.;
    • Identification of geological faultline between Killegray and Ensay.

Transglobe Expedition, 1976-80

Aim

  • To circumnavigate the globe along its polar axis.

Documentation

  • Around the World along the Polar Axis : the World's last great adventure (Prospectus - 7pp).

Scourie Expedition - University of Glasgow, 1976 *

Aims

  1. To fix a number of control points within the Loch a'Mhuilinn Reserve from which further detailed work could be carried out;
  2. To produce a map of the Reserve and its surrounding area at a scale of 1:5000;
  3. To delineate on this map the types of vegetation cover within the Reserve.

Documentation

  • Report (32pp).

Norway Expedition - University of Edinburgh, 1972 *

Documentation

  • Report on an attempt by newly-graduated students to put their geographical knowledge to use in the field.

Expedition Spitsbergen - University of Aberdeen, 1972 *

Documentation

  • Reports on: -
    1. Botany
    2. Geomorphology: -
      • Landforms created at the margins of surging glaciers;
      • Coastal geomorphology;
      • Raised beaches and periglacial phenomena on them on the Broggar peninsula.
    3. Zoology;
    4. Marine Biology.

Valais Expedition, Switzerland - University of Glasgow, 1971 *

Documentation

  1. Survey Report;
  2. Geology Report;
  3. Geography Report.

Norway Expedition - University of Glasgow, 1969

Documentation

  • Report on a geography and topographic science fieldtrip to Norway, based at Balestrand and Briksdal respectively.
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Latest revision on 16th January 2004 by Kerr Jamieson (RSGS Map and Photograph Curator)