Geoscience Society of Iceland
Geoscience Society of Iceland
We warmly welcome you to the 35th Nordic Geological Winter Meeting which will take place on May 11th – 13th on the the campus of the University of Iceland in Reykjavík.
As the meeting will take place in May, we would like to use the opportunity to add additional field
excursions to the meeting. We cannot promise a live eruption in May, but we will have a field
excursion to the 2021 Fagradalsfjall eruption site on the Reykjanes Peninsula on Tuesday May 10th.
Two additional three-day field excursions are also planned after the conference on the 14th of May;
one along the south coast of Iceland, and another one to the Borgarfjörður and Snæfellsnes
peninsula. You can find more information about the trips on this page.
For all the latest news please click here.
Click on the buttons below to get more information about the meeting, travel, and more.
The University of Iceland is a leading Icelandic university and an active participant in the international scientific and academic communities. It is the country’s oldest and largest institution of higher education.
Founded in 1911, it has grown steadily from a small civil servants’ school to a modern comprehensive university, providing instruction for about 14,000 students in twenty-five faculties.
Organizer: Skafti Brynjólfsson (skafti@ni.is), Halldór Björnsson (halldor@vedur.is), Hrafnhildur Hannesdóttir (hh@vedur.is)
1. Physical aspects of climate change and climate change impacts.
Conveners: Halldór Björnsson (halldor@vedur.is)
This session aims to examine recently observed climate change and its impacts on physical systems from wide perspective pertaining to processes in the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere and on land, including the influence of cryospheric mass loss on sea level and volcanic risks. This includes both observed changes, current and paleo, as well as modelled changes. We welcome submissions on climate and geological processes, the dynamics of interaction between the different parts of the climate system, observed changes and impacts as well as high impact events.
2. Ecological aspects of climate change and climate change impacts
Conveners: Inga Svala Jónsdóttir (isj@hi.is)
The aim of this session is to highlight the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and ecosystem-climate feedback processes. We welcome various approaches to address questions on both direct and indirect effects of past, present and future climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, ranging from paleo-ecological, experimental to modelling approaches.
Conveners: Hrafnhildur Hannesdóttir (hh@vedur.is), Ívar Örn Benediktsson (ivarben@hi.is)
and Skafti Brynjólfsson (skafti@ni.is)
A reduction in ice volume and area has been observed throughout the northern hemisphere, including the Arctic and Nordic regions in recent years. This leads to substantial effects on glacial river discharge, sea level, and sediment-landform assemblages, as well as the exposure of previously glaciated areas. These effects are expected to continue and magnify over the coming decades. Understanding the behavior of Arctic and sub-arctic glaciers at present is, therefore, vital for reconstructing past environmental changes and predicting future climate and glacier change scenarios. This session will address past, recent and future changes in mass balance, volume and areal extent of glaciers and their potential societal impacts, as well as current and past glaciological, glacial geological and geomorphological processes. Presentations on mapping and observational programs, modeling studies, processes and reconstructions are solicited.
Convener: Anne Hughes (anna.l.c.hughes@manchester.ac.uk) and Monica Winsborrow
(monica.winsborrow@uit.no)
A longer-term consideration of interactions between ice sheets and climate is essential to contextualise present-day changes, improve theoretical understanding and numerical modelling of climatic and glaciological processes, and predict future changes. Glacial and climatic archives of the high latitudes are distinctly rich and diverse having experienced multiple cycles of ice advance and retreat. In recent decades, numerous technological and methodolgical developments (e.g. new dating techniques and proxies, readily-available ultra-high resolution imagery, elevation, and bathymetric datasets, and advances in numerical ice and climate modelling) have facilitated fresh insights into the glacial and climate history of these regions.
This session will address latest developments in understanding the palaeoglaciology and palaeoclimate of high-latitude regions, focusing on ice-climate interactions through glacial-interglacial cycles. We welcome submissions with a wide geographical and methodolgical scope; encompassing terrestrial and marine records of ice sheet and palaeoclimatic change, and implementing field, laboratory, remote sensing, and modelling approaches.
Conveners: Bernd Etzelmüller (bernd.etzelmuller@geo.uio.no), Ivar Berthling
(ibe@nve.no) and Karianne Staalesen Lilleøren (k.s.lilleoren@geo.uio.no)
Permafrost and periglacial processes are common in all Nordic mountain areas, and a dominant characteristic of earth surface processes in adjacent High-Arctic areas. Permafrost is governed by complex interactions between the surface-atmosphere energy exchange, seasonally variable ground surface and sub-surface thermal characteristics, and geothermal heat flow. Climate change effects on permafrost distribution are of high societal relevance, as thawing permafrost might lead to increase release of greenhouse gasses, large-scale vegetation changes, and decreased slope stability in steep mountain areas.
Permafrost and seasonal frost drive periglacial processes have faced increased attention, e.g. in relation to slope stability, distribution of permafrost landforms (rock glaciers and palsas) as indicators for paleoclimate, and the role of ground thermal regime in landscape dynamics. The session calls for presentations addressing mapping, monitoring and modeling of permafrost and associated earth system dynamics in a changing climate, along with studies related to periglacial processes, landforms and landscapes, slope stability and permafrost related geohazards.
Organizer: Sara Barsotti (sara@vedur.is), Michelle Maree Parks (michelle@vedur.is) and Ásta Rut Hjartardóttir (astahj@hi.is)
Conveners: Sara Barsotti (sara@vedur.is) and Magnús Tumi Guðmundsson (mtg@hi.is)
The monitoring of active volcanoes and the eruption history knowledge are two essential elements to reduce the potential impact of volcanic eruptions on the society and the environment. At the same time, assessing the potential hazard of a volcano is a complementary piece of information needed to understand to which extent a volcano is dangerous. Ideally, such assessments should guide planning in volcanic regions and form the basis for response plans to the main scenarios that have been identified. Advances have been made on several fronts the last decade in terms of monitoring tools, near-real time data processing, early-warning systems and integration of multi-disciplinary data as well as in addressing uncertainty in the hazard assessment and developing new algorithms to address cascading effects. This session welcomes any contributions investigating new challenges and recent achievements on these topics.
Conveners: Bergrún Arna Óladóttir (bergrun@vedur.is) and Þorvaldur Þórðarson
(torvth@hi.is)
Iceland is one of the most active and productive terrestrial volcanic regions, with eruption frequency of about 20 events per century and magma output rates around 5 km3 per century. Although Iceland is dominated by mafic magmatism and volcanism, as is evident from 91:6:3 distribution of mafic, intermediate and silicic eruptions, its record also features most common terrestrial magma types and eruption styles. Postglacial volcanism is confined to the neovolcanic zones where 30 active volcanic systems are responsible for most of the Holocene activity. In this session we welcome contributions on all aspects of Icelandic volcanism during the Holocene and the Neogene.
Conveners: Lars Ottemöller (Lars.Ottemoller@uib.no) and Esther Ruth Guðmundsdóttir
(estherrg@hi.is)
The history of volcanism in the North Atlantic originates in the beginning of the Paleogene and is reflected both in rift and mantle plume volcanism. In this session contributions on all aspects of North Atlantic volcanism are welcome e.g. formation of flood basalts from the continental breakup and the post breakup activity on mid-ocean ridges and Quaternary volcanic activity on Svalbard, Jan Mayen and Iceland. Regional scale studies based on geological and geophysical data that aim at investigating deeper processes also fall into the scope of this session. At much smaller scale, we like to hear from interdisciplinary monitoring campaigns of activity on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Conveners: Michelle Maree Parks (michelle@vedur.is) and Rikke Pedersen (rikke@hi.is)
Active magma plumbing systems may be investigated through interpretation of data from multiple sources, such as geochemistry of volcanic products or geophysical observations. Processes related to migration of melt from source to storage area or eruption site, magma migration, accumulation and ascent, crustal assimilation and temporal storage history all contribute to conceptualizing specific plumbing designs of volcanic systems. Insights into the governing processes on magma migration may be added from analogue modelling. However, not all aspects of magma evolution and migration can be investigated in active systems. Whereas many geophysical observation methods only provide a temporal glimpse into the life of a volcanic system, further insights into the entire life-span may be added from geochemical and structural mapping of extinct systems exposed by erosion.
Here we bring together multiple disciplines in order to enlighten a range of the complexities of volcanic plumbing systems. We invite contributions from studies of individual data sources as well as multidisciplinary approaches shedding light on active or extinct subvolcanic processes. We encourage authors to consider the multidisciplinary character of the session and present their findings in an appealing format towards a wide audience.
Organizer: Halldór Geirsson (hgeirs@hi.is), Michelle Maree Parks (michelle@vedur.is), Ásta Rut Hjartardóttir (astahj@hi.is) and Anett Blischke (Anett.Blischke@isor.is)
Conveners: Freysteinn Sigmundsson (fs@hi.is), Sonja Greiner (shm19@hi.is), Steffi Burchardt (steffi.burchardt@geo.uu.se), Olivier Galland (olivier.galland@geo.uio.no)
Deformation in active and ancient volcanoes is potentially an excellent proxy for revealing subsurface magmatic processes. Magma migrates and makes its own pathways by deforming the surrounding host rock and volcano roots through a variety of processes, including hydraulic elastic fracturing with predominantly tensile failure, viscous indenter mechanism with predominantly shear failure, and viscoelastic creep when magma pressure is sustained over long periods of time. The results of such processes can be observed at different scales, from outcrop-scale rock structures that reveal the propagation of magma, seismic activity reflecting stress changes associated with magma migration, to large-scale deformation of entire volcanic edifices. Field studies of structures in active and extinct volcanic areas can help distinguish between different deformation mechanisms and contribute to a quantification of the finite deformation caused by magmatic processes. Numerical and analog modelling are highly valuable to better understand and quantify the correlation between magmatic processes and associated deformation. This session welcomes all contributions documenting deformation due to magmatic processes, contributing to better understanding of the processes involved.
Conveners: Kristín Jónsdóttir (kristin.jonsdottir@vedur.is) and Vala Hjörleifsdóttir (vala.hjorleifsdottir@or.is)
A broad spectrum of seismology is currently being studied at universities, governmental organizations, as well as industrial companies in the Nordic and Baltic countries. This seminar aims at capturing the diversity of seismological studies in this part of the world. We welcome a wide spectrum of contributions to this session on seismological studies, earthquakes, and seismic processes. This includes studies of seismic networks and acquisition systems. Presentations highlighting Nordic cooperation and data sharing in the seismological context are especially welcome. Seismic monitoring is being conducted in all the Nordic countries and we welcome presentations highlighting interesting results of various environments, including volcano, glacial, industrial, and geothermal settings. Studies of seismic hazard, of interesting earthquakes, of earthquakes and cascading hazards and seismic structure are also welcome to our session.
Conveners: Eivind Olavson Straume (e.o.straume@geo.uio.no), John R. Hopper (jrh@geus.dk) and Anett Blischke (Anett.Blischke@isor.is)
This session focuses on linking geodynamic processes to paleobathymetric changes through geological time, affecting ocean circulation, global and local sea level changes, and potential environmental impacts. Contributions can include modelling, observational, or theoretical studies that address bathymetric and topographic changes by processes of plate tectonics and underlying mantle convection. Interdisciplinary contributions that link geological and geophysical observations that constrain the paleogeographic evolution of continental and oceanic terrains are especially welcome. In addition, since paleogeography is a key boundary condition in paleo-ocean circulation and climate models, we encourage studies that look at ocean and atmospheric circulation in response to paleogeographic changes.
Conveners: John R. Hopper (jrh@geus.dk), Arne Døssing (ards@space.dtu.dk) Gwenn Peron-Pinvidic (Gwenn.Peron-Pinvidic@NGU.NO), and Anett Blischke (Anett.Blischke@isor.is)
The session focuses on the processes responsible for the formation of propagating rift systems and micro-plates (both oceanic and continental), with special emphasis on basement fabric, tectono-magmatic architecture, and spatial and temporal evolution. We seek contributions based on structural and stratigraphic observations, geophysical and numerical modelling, geodynamic reconstructions, as well as studies that give insight into the dynamics of propagating rift systems, their asymmetry, and links to micro-plate formation in tectono-magmatically driven active or passive continental breakup. Interdisciplinary contributions are especially welcomed, as microplate formation can relate to various parameters such as plate boundary relocations, mantle plumes, wrench tectonics, multiphase rift events, or inherited lithospheric heterogeneities.
Conveners: Halldór Geirsson (hgeirs@hi.is) and Björn Lund (Bjorn.Lund@geo.uu.se)
The Nordic region encompasses a wide range of glacio isostatic response, with the ongoing Fennoscandinavian rebound; rapid GIA response in Iceland due to the underlying mantle plume; and accelerated ice loss at Greenland. The time varying load of glaciers drives sea level change, induces flow in the mantle, affects seismicity, changes pressures in the mantle the and thereby melt production. Three dimensional variations in earth structure and load histories cause challenges in modeling and interpreting results. Great advancement has been made in the field of glaciostatic response, for example modeling and observations. We welcome all contributions on glacio isostasy, sea level change in the Nordics, other parts of Earth, or even from other planetary bodies. Contributions on other aspects of mantle dynamics are also welcome.
Conveners: Ásta Rut Hjartardóttir (astahj@hi.is) and Anett Blischke (Anett.Blischke@isor.is)
In this session, we welcome a broad range of contributions in the field of structural geology and crustal deformation processes, both in large and small scales of surface and subsurface investigations. These contributions can be based on observational, modelling, or theoretical studies, which give valuable insight into the structure and evolution of both oceanic and continental crust, as well as the crust-mantle boundary. Interdisciplinary contributions are especially welcomed, such as contributions from specific fields in geological and geophysical studies, presenting new developments and approaches. This session therefore opens an opportunity to compare studies done along active plate boundaries to older oceanic, and continental crust domains.
Organizer: Þorsteinn Sæmundsson (steinis@hi.is)
Conveners: Þorsteinn Sæmundsson (steinis@hi.is), Reginald Hermanns (Reginald.Hermanns@NGU.NO), Daniel Ben-Yehoshua (dby@hi.is), Costanza Morino (costanza.morino@gmail.com)
The Nordic countries face varied spectra of geohazards, spanning from geophysical types such as volcano eruptions and earthquakes in Iceland over to quick clay landslides in Norway and Sweden, rockslides and related displacement waves in Norway and Iceland. In addition, are the Nordic countries exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as storms with high wind speeds, heavy rainfall and fast temperature changes that often result in landslides, flooding and coastal erosion. A special condition is that permafrost conditions vary from south to north strongly and special and are in the region more dominant than elsewhere in Europe. Thus there are special threats related to permafrost conditions or its disappearance due to climate change.
This session aims at presenting a wide range of geohazard studies in the arctic and subarctic regions, including case studies from various geographical, geological and topographical settings and more general evaluations of geohazards from a Nordic perspective and to discuss adaptation measures to those threats. The session is open for all types of geo and natural hazards present in the region.
Conveners: Harpa Grímsdóttir (harpa@vedur.is)
In recent years there has been an increased interest in the study of risk assessment and risk management in relation to geohazards. This interest is reflected both at international level, through UN organizations and the World Bank, and at regional and local levels. The world continues to see the development of extremely densely populated areas, depending on sophisticated infrastructure in order to secure necessary resources (e.g. food, water and energy). Such areas are, in many parts of the globe, exposed to threats from, i.a. earthquakes, tsunamis, rising sea level, floods and shortage of (ground) water. Smaller communities are exposed to more local threats, e.g. landslides in Norway. The key questions are: How should societies, on a large or a small scale, handle the risk posed by geohazards? What should the role of geoscientists in the risk management process be? Contributions addressing issues such as risk, hazard, vulnerability, coping capacity etc. are welcome.
Conveners: Bjarni Richter (br@isor.is) and Ögmundur Erlendsson (ogmundur.erlendsson@isor.is)
In this session we invite contributions from the offshore industry as well as from researchers and land‐use planning groups in coastal settings. We also welcome contributions regarding offshore geohazards that have become a topic of great importance about risk mitigation and environmental protection. Offshore resources management, such as fisheries, mineral-, geothermal- or hydrocarbon prospecting, and the planning or offshore installations and sustainable energy usage, e.g. offshore wind parks, have rapidly developed and move increasingly from nearshore to deeper waters across the world’s costal to deeper shelf areas. Main offshore geohazards include slope instability, seabed condition uncertainties, underground blowouts due to effects of shallow hydrocarbon, or magmatic sourced gas or gas hydrates releases.
Organizer: Sæmundur Ari Halldórsson (saemiah@hi.is) and Bjarni Gautason (bjarni.gautason@isor.is)
Conveners: Tobias Weisenberger (tbw@hi.is) and Kristján Jónasson (kristjan@ni.is)
Minerals are the basic ingredients of geology. Mineralogy provides the insights into the nature, properties, and stability of minerals, but it is rapidly progressing towards multiple new applications of mineralogical data and technological advancements that utilize minerals and their synthetic equivalents. This session focuses on the composition, structure, and stability of minerals in the different environments of the world, whether they are generated at the Earth’s surface, deep within the Earth, or in other exotic circumstances. Contributions on mineralogy in general are welcome.
Conveners: Sæmundur Ari Halldórsson (saemiah@hi.is), Olgeir Sigmarsson (olgeir@hi.is) and Guðmundur H. Guðfinnsson (gudmhg@hi.is)
Understanding igneous processes is key to elucidating Earth’s formation and evolution, including the formation of major crustal types and ore deposits. Micro- to macro-scale observations by means of varied array of both classic, but also state-of-the-art, geochemical and petrological methods are allowing for an increasingly improved understanding of the wide range of igneous and magmatic processes at play, both past and present. We welcome contributions from disciplines that include, but are not limited to, geochemistry and petrology, that seek to shed light on igneous and magmatic processes and their timescales.
Conveners: Enikö Bali (eniko@hi.is) and Bjarni Gautason (bjarni.gautason@isor.is)
The interplay between mineral reactions, deformation and the presence of fluids govern metamorphic and metasomatic processes within the Earth ‘s mantle and crust and triggers changes through time. In order to better understand these processes, we need to combine field observations, microstructural and fluid inclusion studies, geothermobarometry with geochemical and thermo-mechanical modelling. In this session we invite contributions from all aspects of metamorphic petrology and geochemistry from deep crustal to shallow levels across different crustal lithologies.
Organizer: Daði Þorbjörnsson (dadi.thorbjornsson@isor.is), Eydís Salome Eiríksdóttir (ese@hafogvatn.is) and Sandra Ósk Snæbjörnsdóttir (Sandra.Osk.Snaebjornsdottir@carbfix.com)
Conveners: Daði Þorbjörnsson (dadi.thorbjornsson@isor.is) and Ingvi Gunnarsson (ingvi.gunnarsson@on.is)
The thermal state of the Earth controls a wide range of geological processes. As such, terrestrial heat flow studies are of prime importance for understanding the past, present and future of our planet and for planning the use of its natural resources. In addition, the growing demand for new and clean energy sources has renewed the interest in geothermal energy. Recent technological advances have dramatically expanded the range and size of viable thermal resources thereby opening a potential for widespread geothermal utilization. The goal of this session is to give an overview on the recent progress made in the field, the potential environmental impact of geothermal utilization, as well the future of geothermal energy as a potential solution to the energy crisis facing the globe.
Conveners: Sandra Ósk Snæbjörnsdóttir (Sandra.Osk.Snaebjornsdottir@carbfix.com) and Deirdre Clark (deirdre.clark@isor.is)
Substantial and sustained reduction of anthropogenic CO2 emissions to the atmosphere are needed to achieve the goals of the Paris agreement and constrain the current rapid warming to 1,5-2°C. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions play an important role in the transition towards carbon neutrality. CCS includes a range of processes for CO2 capture, separation, transport, storage, and monitoring, and is considered the key technology for reducing emissions from fossil fuel power plants while these are still part of the energy systems, limiting emissions from many industrial processes such as steel, aluminium and cement production, and to deliver “negative emissions” by removing and permanently storing CO2 captured directly from air by the second half of the century. This session addresses all aspects of geological storage of CO2 through deep storage of liquid or supercritical CO2 and CO2 storage via carbon mineralisation of mafic and ultra-mafic rocks. Contributions on topics such as site characterisations, analysis of natural analogues, monitoring techniques, reservoir modelling and validation methods are encouraged.
Conveners: Eydís Salome Eiríksdóttir (ese@hafogvatn.is) and Þráinn Friðriksson (thrainn.fridriksson@or.is)
Water is one of the Earths’ resources which is of major importance to all processes, organic and inorganic. Water is continuously cycled between its various reservoirs through various processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, deposition, runoff, infiltration, and groundwater flow. Understanding the processes involved in the water cycle and the properties of freshwater systems is essential for sustainable utilization, to avoid pollution and protect freshwater ecosystems. This session welcomes abstracts regarding surface- and groundwater resources, floods and droughts, hydrological and hydrogeological mapping, monitoring and exploration, physical and chemical surface and subsurface weathering, climate effects on the hydrological cycle and weathering, water utilization, environmental concerns and water pollution, biogeology, groundwater models and other matter of this subject.
Conveners: Børge Johannes Wigum (BorgeJohannes.Wigum@heidelbergcement.com) and Steinar Ellefsmo (steinar.ellefmo@ntnu.no)
Minerals are required for a sustainable development and minerals support the Green Shift. Solar panels, wind-turbines and the construction or modification of power grids to realize electrification and decarbonization efforts, will increase the demand of metal such as copper by between 275 and 350% in 2050. The need for developing mineral resource on the deep ocean floor to meet this increased demand is debated. This session on deep sea minerals will cover the value chain from understanding the deep geological processes that forms the potential deposits, to processing technologies via environmental concerns, exploration strategy development and exploration technologies, resource potential assessment and technologies for ore extraction. Focus will be on the Arctic Mid-Atlantic ridge with potential contributions from leading international research institutions.
Conveners: Bryndís G. Róbertsdóttir (bgr@os.is) and Hjalti Franzson (hjaltif@simnet.is)
The systematic exploration and exploitation of minerals and metals has been evolving from the dawn of civilization. This evolution is driven by the need for a particular product within each society. The occurrence is, however, heavily dependent on the respective geological environment. Not only do the Nordic countries exhibit very varied geological features ranging from Pre-Cambrian to Neo-volcanic oceanic crust but are also at a very different stage in the development of exploration and mining of economic metal deposit. Common to many of the processes that lead to metalliferous anomalies is related to magmatism and associated geothermal activity. This session welcomes presentations concerning geological evolution of metalliferous anomalies, their exploration and mining.
Convener: Ingrid Anell (ingriane@geo.uio.no)
Sedimentary basins host a vast amount of geological resources including fossil fuels, drinking water, geothermal water, minerals, ores and building materials. Advances in understanding the formation and development of basins and the distribution and quality of sedimentary successions within the basins, contributes to more sustainable and resource intensive extraction or use of resources. Our understanding of basins and their infill history, the formation of different depositional environments and the subsequent sedimentary rock characteristics, the post-depositional history, compaction, alteration and fluid circulation is approached through a variety of geological and geophysical methods. Technological advances have in recent years revolutionized the level of detail and insight which can be gathered. This session calls for contributions on recent and on-going advances within a wide range of topics related to basin formation and advances in sedimentology. Contributions might feature but are not limited to topics such as sedimentary basins in various tectonic settings, sediment routing, rates and source to sink, depositional environments and process regime, stratigraphy, reservoir and seal characterization, and post-depositional processes and diagenesis.
Organizer: Bjarni Gautason (bjarni.gautason@isor.is)
Conveners: Susan Conway (susan.conway@univ-nantes.fr) and Andreas Johnsson (andreasj@gvc.gu.se)
We welcome contributions that are focused on the study of geoscience topics applicable or centered on celestial bodies other than our own. Topics can include studies of the interiors, surfaces, and/or atmospheres of the terrestrial planets, asteroids, comets, moons or exoplanets. We specifically encourage contributions using Iceland as an analogue with a natural bias towards Mars as the scientific focus.
Conveners: Tobias Bauer (tobias.bauer@ltu.se) & Tero Niiranen (tero.niiranen@gtk.fi)
This session addresses research in modelling, machine learning and visualization in Geosciences. We invite contributions from 3D & 4D geomodelling, common earth modelling, machine learning applied to geo data, big data analysis, Virtual Reality, model visualization and related technologies. Topics cover both basic research as well as applications in all branches of geosciences.
The session will also discuss issues related to geoscience data repositories that are central to the organisation and access of open data to the research community and to the public.
Conveners: Tobias Bauer (tobias.bauer@ltu.se) & Tero Niiranen (tero.niiranen@gtk.fi)
This session addresses research in modelling, machine learning and visualization in Geosciences. We invite contributions from 3D & 4D geomodelling, common earth modelling, machine learning applied to geo data, big data analysis, Virtual Reality, model visualization and related technologies. Topics cover both basic research as well as applications in all branches of geosciences.
Conveners: Berglind Sigmundsdóttir (berglind@katlageopark.is) and Lovísa Guðrún Ásbjörnsdóttir (Lovisa.G.Asbjornsdottir@ni.is)
The recognition and knowledge of geoheritage and geodiversity has been steadily growing over the past decades. Increasing demand of exploitation of Earth’s resources has at the same time led to an urgent need for protecting international valuable and important geological phenomena. National and international inventory and assessment of geoheritage is essential for geoconservation. UNESCO Global Geoparks recognise geoheritage and geoconservation as being a fundamental resource in a territorial development and through capacity building and education they promote sustainable use of geological resources.
The aim of this session is to elaborate on how we can better inform our society and decision makers about the importance of geoheritage and the need for protecting it. We invite to this session contributions about geoheritage, geodiversity and geoconservation, geoparks and geotourism.
Conveners: Bjarni Gautason (bjarni.gautason@isor.is)
In this session we welcome contributions that do not fit in any of the advertised Themes and Sessions
Organizer: Børge Johannes Wigum (BorgeJohannes.Wigum@heidelbergcement.com) & Hafdís Eygló Jónsdóttir (hej@vegagerdin.is)
Conveners: Hafdís Eygló Jónsdóttir (hej@vegagerdin.is) and Alexandra Björk Guðmundsdóttir (alexandra@bmvalla.is)
This session welcomes any topic regarding aggregates, right from production to utilisation. Aggregates are used in number of ways in all kinds of constructions. They are very important in our daily life and are the most used material in the world. Aggregates are non-renewable sources, and some have limited availability. The end use of aggregates varies and therefore specifications for example for shape, abrasion, durability and frost resistance differs greatly. Aggregate production in the field, aggregate testing at research laboratories and utilisation of aggregates in different constructions is the essential constituent of this session.
Conveners: Børge Johannes Wigum (BorgeJohannes.Wigum@heidelbergcement.com) and Þorbjörg Hólmgeirsdóttir (thh@mannvit.is)
This theme includes the utilization of non-energy and non-metallic rocks and minerals as raw materials for industrial purposes, for the sustainable and beneficial use in the society. This includes, but not limited to, exploration and utilization of industrial minerals, resource assessment and utilization of natural sand and gravel vs. crushed rock, exploration and testing of natural pozzolans as Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCM’s), and production and utilisation of natural stones.
Conveners: Jón Haukur Steingrímsson (jon.haukur.steingrimsson@efla.is) and Atli Karl Ingimarsson (atli@mannvit.is)
This session covers the interdisciplinary fields of the earth sciences and engineering, particularly geological and geotechnical engineering. It is focused on geological or engineering studies that are of interest to engineering geologists. Topics of interest include, but not limited to, cases related to rock mechanics/tunnels and landslides (combined with theme 4).
Organizer: Joaguín M.C. Belart (joaquin@lmi.is), Gro B.M. Pedersen (gro@hi.is)
Conveners: Joaquín M.C. Belart (joaquin@lmi.is), Eyjólfur Magnússon (eyjolfm@hi.is), Andri Gunnarsson (andri.gunnarsson@landsvirkjun.is)
Several aspects of the cryosphere are considered as essential climate variables, and their study has been drastically expanded with the large amount of remote sensing observations in the past decades. This session welcomes studies using remote sensing datasets with applications in the cryosphere, i.e. glaciers, ice sheets, snow and permafrost.
This includes, but is not limited to, studies focused on monitoring and measurement of glacier changes, ice sheet changes, glacier and ice sheet velocities, glacier and ice sheet mass balance and contribution to sea-level rise, measurement and monitoring of albedo changes, permafrost and snow, as well as characterization and study of properties of the cryosphere with remote sensing.
Conveners: Ragnar Þrastarson (rhth@vedur.is), Vincent Drouin (vd@isor.is), Sydney Gunnarson (sydney.gunnarson@gmail.com)
This session is focused on Remote Sensing sensors and techniques for monitoring of a variety of Earth Systems, geohazards and environment. It also encourages novel techniques and algorithms for automated processing and setup of warning systems based on Remote Sensing. Examples of such applications are: Remote sensing applications on slope instabilities, use of remote sensing during volcanic unrest, study of co-seismic and post seismic deformations, floods and jökulhlaups and snow avalanches. Special focus is given to the use of Copernicus data (e.g. Sentinel) for near-real time monitoring.
Conveners: Lilja Run Bjarnadóttir (Lilja.Bjarnadottir@NGU.NO), Ögmundur Erlendsson (ogmundur.erlendsson@isor.is), Bryndís Brandsdóttir (bryndis@raunvis.hi.is), Davíð Þór Óðinsson (david.thor.odinsson@hafogvatn.is), Árni Þór Vésteinsson (Arni@LHG.IS)
Successful sustainable management and development of marine areas hinges on robust observations of the seabed, sea surface and coastal areas. This is of particular relevance in the context of climate change and rapid sea level rise. Information on seabed and coastal geology is also a key part to aid our understanding of the role of geology in marine ecosystem services, as a foundation for habitat mapping. Remote sensing provides a wealth of observations, yielding new insights to marine and coastal dynamics and seabed morphology.
In this session, we welcome a broad range of contributions focused on remote sensing data and techniques for the mapping and monitoring of the seabed landscape and substrate, sea surface, sea ice, as well as coastal mapping and monitoring. We also welcome automated and semi-automated mapping approaches, as well as studies related to the implementation of sustainable industry applications, e.g. from fisheries or coastal installations.
Conveners: Gro B.M. Pedersen (gro@hi.is), Birgir Oskarsson (birgir.v.oskarsson@ni.is), Gunnlaugur Einarsson (gunnlaugur.m.einarsson@isor.is)
Remote sensing is becoming an essential tool for geological mapping. The wealth of remote sensing platforms, data and techniques provide numerous opportunities for information extraction for field work planning, data collection, processing, and analysis.
In this remote sensing session, we aim to bridge the gap between advanced information processing capabilities and the end-user earth scientist. We aim to discuss requirements and suitability of remote sensing data, including optical sensors (panchromatic, multispectral, hyperspectral and thermal), SAR, lidar or their combination, requirements to suitable image quality (radiometric, spatial and temporal resolution), platforms (UAV, airplanes, spaceborne or terrestrial sensors), need of pre-processing and determination of suitable image analysis. This also includes effective multi-temporal data analysis methods which provides challenges for optimal analysis of Earth observations data due to irregular temporal sampling, seasonal effects and imperfect registration.
We welcome contributions on terrestrial, airborne and spaceborne lidar and photogrammetry, multispectral and hyperspectral classification, data fusion and automated classification and change detection techniques.
Conveners: Benjamin Hennig (ben@hi.is), Ásta Kristín Óladóttir (asta.k.oladottir@lmi.is), Helmut Neukirchen (helmut@hi.is)
Geoscience data repositories and benchmark datasets are central to the organisation and access of open data to the research community and to the public. Such repositories enable new fields of conducting interdisciplinary science, integrating wide-ranging data sources, and they strive to ensure that research outputs (e.g., data, software, technology, or physical samples) are curated in an open and fair manner, having essential documentation, human-readable and machine-readable metadata in standard formats that are publicly accessible.
Researchers are encouraged and often even required by journals and grant giving organisations to make their data available, which later benefits them by giving proper credit and rewards for their works, in a similar manner to the way that scientific publications benefit researchers.
Thus, researchers and research institutions worldwide have started devoting significant efforts into creating and organising such rapidly growing repositories. In this session we would like to invite contributions that introduce new data repositories and science outputs that were generated through such repositories. The aim of this session is to provide an overview of ongoing initiatives of geoscience data repositories in the Nordic research community as well as having an open discussion about challenges and opportunities with different data curation strategies.
Included in the registration fee:
Meeting material, access to all relevant meeting sessions, coffee/tea during breaks, lunches where applicable according to meeting, and access to Icebreaker party and opening ceremony.
Meeting Dinner will be on Thursday, 12 May
Price: ISK 11.500 per pers.
Way of payment
Cancellation policy
The organizers cannot be held responsible for any financial loss resulting from exchange rate fluctuations
Prices in ISK.
Registration fee – Member | early bird – until 1 April | 70.000 |
Registration fee – Member | late fee – from 2 April | 84.000 |
Registration fee – Member | on site | 92.500 |
Registration fee – Non-Member | early bird -until 1 April | 90.000 |
Registration fee – Non-Member | late fee – from 2 April | 108.000 |
Registration fee – Non-Member | on site | 118.500 |
Student or Senior/Pensioner | early bird – until 1 April | 45.000 |
Student or Senior/Pensioner | late fee – from 2 April | 54.000 |
Student or Senior/Pensioner | on site | 59.500 |
The abstract body should be short (100–500 words), clear, concise, and written in English with correct spelling and good sentence structure.
Author(s) (Name, institution, city, country, e-mail of presenting author).
Abstract (structure guidelines: aim, methods, results, conclusion).
Keywords (3-5).
Select 1 of the 9 themes and also specific session.
Mathematical symbols and equations can be typed in or embedded as images.
Figures and tables should not be included.
Abstracts should be carefully compiled and thoroughly checked, in particular with regard to the list of authors, before submission in order to avoid last-minute changes.
Presentation type (oral presentation, poster presentation).
Here you can find the themes and sessions
Please note: The presentation time is 15 minutes, 12 minutes for presentation and 3 minutes for Q&A.
Abstract submission opens
15 January 2022
Deadline for abstract submission
7 March 2022
Final approval of abstracts and notice to authors
NOTE NEW DATE 18 March 2022
All tours include transfers, guides, breakfast, lunchboxes for 2 days and 3 course dinner for 2 days
The Nordic Geoscientist Award is presented every second year in connection with the Nordic Winter Meeting. The Award is presented to a Nordic geoscientist who has, in the course of his/her career, been strongly involved in the society around us, as well as in specific fields in the geosciences.
All members of the Nordic geological societies can propose candidates: proposals should be ca. 500 words.
A jury, consisting of the leaders of each of the Nordic geological societies, will consider the proposals and prepare a written statement on its decision on the Award.
The prize will consist of a framed diploma and an engraved plate of a rock from the hosting country. The winner will be invited to hold a plenary lecture at the Winter Meeting in connection with presentation of the Award.
Proposals for the Nordic Geoscientist Award should be sent to the president of the Geological Society in your country by March 1st 2022.
At the center of Reykjavik’s booming creative quarter, you’ll find the stylish, industrial Grandi hotel. More than just a great place to stay, the hotel is a quite lively gathering place for those in the know with a bar and a restaurant that are always full of life. We know how to do cosy as you can see while staying in our spacious rooms that offer classic comfort with modern frills.
For booking a room at Center Hotel Grandi we kindly ask you to follow these steps:
CenterHotel Plaza is located right by the the main square in the heart of Reykjavik. This first class hotel is ideal for business and leisure, with a warm welcoming atmosphere and services to suit all tastes.
The Plaza hotel provides the comfort and the location to enjoy all that Reykjavik’s city center has to offer and it’s location creates the perfect setting for your stay with a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, shopping and nightlife at your doorstep.
For booking a room at Center Hotel Plaza we kindly ask you to follow these steps:
Whatever you’ve got planned in Reykjavik, from whale watching to bar hopping, nothing beats returning to a room with all the comforts of home. Arnarhvoll offers 104 modern Scandi-style rooms with all those little touches that make a big difference like a flat screen TV and free wifi.
Close to the harbor, overlooking the bay and mountains, it’s no surprise that Center Hotels Arnarhvoll with it’s 104 comfortable rooms, serves up some of the best views in Reykjavik. From the lobby to the rooms, everything feels welcoming and Scandi. If you want to wake up to awesome, make sure to book a room with a view. The hotel’s rooftop SKÝ Bar is a must for guests and thirsty locals.
For booking a room at Center Hotel Arnarhvoll we kindly ask you to follow these steps:
Located just 701 m to Laugardalslaug geothermal swimming pool, Hotel Cabin is in the Reykjavik East district. The Sculpture and Shore Walk promenade is just 400 m away from the hotel, while Reykjavík city center is 0.9 mi away. Guests enjoy free private parking and WiFi.
All rooms feature a TV and a private bathroom. Some rooms also have a scenic view of either the city or the sea.
Cabin Hotel has a buffet restaurant and a lobby bar where guests can enjoy a drink while watching TV. The bar offers daily happy hour specials.
For booking a room at Hotel Cabin we kindly ask you to follow these steps:
Inside Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura, you will find a warm and inviting atmosphere, filled with thoughtful details inspired by the beautiful nature that surrounds the property. This is no cookie-cutter hotel. Reykjavik Natura embraces its legacy – its distinctly Icelandic roots, including works from local artists, the freshest local produce at Satt Restaurant and Natura Spa with its warm relaxing atmosphere.
Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura is also the perfect location for those who love nature and the outdoors. Located in one of the greenest areas in Reykjavik, you can enjoy access to expansive stretches of biking, running and walking trails as well as pathways. Reykjavik’s own Nautholsvik Geothermal beach area and the famous Perlan are also closeby. The buzzing city center is within easy reach; just a few minutes away by car or bus or approximately a 20-minute walk.
For booking a room at Iceclandair Hotel Reykjavik Natura we kindly ask you to click on this booking link here.
A historic hotel which stands prominently in the heart of Reykjavík, near the seafront and a short walk from Reykjavik’s harbor.
Enjoy a scenic walk by the seaside, visit the prestigious Harpa Concert Hall and try some of Reykjavík’s great restaurants and cafés, all just a stone’s throw from the hotel.
All of Baron’s accommodation options are equipped with satellite TV and tea/coffee facilities. The 2-bedroom apartments feature a small kitchenette. Some rooms have elegant late 1800s-style décor, while others offer views of the Atlantic Ocean.
For booking a room at Fosshotel Baron we kindly ask you to click on this booking link here.
At Alda Hotel Reykjavik, we combine a fantastic location, on Reykjavik‘s main shopping street, Laugavegur, with a harmonious atmosphere. Our boutique-style hotel, where rooms vary in shapes and sizes, offer a calm escape.
The idea of Alda Hotel Reykjavík is to provide tranquil space in the middle of the city to take in and process the expressions from the adventures experienced in Iceland. We are located on the upper end of Laugavegur (otherwise known as the quiet part), around a 15-minute walk from the center of the city.
We are close to shops, cafés, and restaurants but away from the central nightlife area.
Reykjavík is an excellent venue for an international conference. Founded in 1786, it is the capital of Iceland and the northernmost capital city in the world. The city is vibrant and offers most of the conveniences and attractions usually associated with major capitals of the world. Its amazing array of possibilities is why Reykjavik is sometimes called the biggest little capital in the world. In Reykjavik you have opportunities for historical sites, natural beauty, museums and galleries, public parks, excellent shopping, a wide range of leisure activities, hotels, restaurants and a remarkably lively artistic scene.
The official tourism website of the Reykjavík Capital Area is www.visitreykjavik.is
Iceland is closer than you think and probably also far different from what you might have imagined. Where else can you witness such marvels of Mother Nature as glaciers, steaming geysers and volcanoes, raging rivers and magnificent waterfalls, a multitude of birds, cavorting whales just offshore and many other surprises.
The country was settled by Nordic people in the 9th century – tradition has it that the first permanent settler was a Norwegian Viking, named Ingolfur Arnarson, who made his home where Reykjavik is situated today. The Icelanders still speak a language close to that of the Vikings, although modern Icelanders also speak many foreign languages.
The island is conveniently located right between Europe and east coast of USA. Distance is about 5-6 hours by flight from USA and 2-4 hours from Europe. The size is 103.000 km2 (39,756 sq. miles), about one-third larger than Scotland or Ireland. It has a population of just over 300.000, almost two-thirds living in the capital Reykjavik and its neighbouring towns in the southwest.
Regardless of when you visit, be assured that the warmth shown by the Icelanders, their desire to share their culture and their efforts to make your stay as pleasant as possible will, like the spectacular landscape, not easily be forgotten.
https://www.inspiredbyiceland.com/
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/
https://www.isavia.is/en/keflavik-airport
https://www.re.is/ – Reykjavík Excursions
Starting 1 October, all travellers who enter Iceland, and are considered to have close ties within the Icelandic community, will only need to undergo a COVID-19 test after arrival in Iceland and don’t need to present a negative result prior to boarding. They are not required to quarantine, but are asked to limit their interactions in the first few days after arrival.
The following groups are considered to have close ties within the Icelandic community are:
Citizens of Iceland
People who live in Iceland
Anyone intending to work or study in Iceland for more than 7 days
People with a permit to work in Iceland, including applicants for such permits
People seeking asylum in Iceland
The families and relatives of those travelling with anyone who belongs to the categories above.
Individuals born in the year 2005 or later are exempt from all testing and quarantine requirements.
For latest and most accurate information please go to https://www.covid.is/english
For updated travel information please visit https://www.covid.is/sub-categories/travel-to-and-within-iceland
Project Manager
Lára B. Pétursdóttir
lara@sena.is
For registration and general information
ngwm2022@sena.is
Chairman of the Committee
Þorsteinn Sæmundsson – HÍ
steinis@hi.is
▪️ Halldór Geirsson – HÍ
hgeirs@hi.is
▪️ Ásta Rut Hjartardóttir – HÍ
astahj@hi.is
▪️ Bjarni Gautason
bjarni.Gautason@isor.is
