Research Centre Breiðdalsvík

About

Earth sciences and linguistics are the main emphases in the activities of the new Research Centre of the University of Iceland in Breiðdalsvík. The centre's operations are focused on research and dissemination of research results, as well as teaching and supervision of graduate students in earth sciences.

The centre builds on the legacy of the Breiðdalssetur Foundation, which has operated a research and heritage centre in Breiðdalur for years. This is reflected in the centre's strong community outreach mission, with exhibitions in collaboration with the Breiðdalssetur Foundation and collaboration with the elementary school for Breiðdalur and Stöðvarfjörður.

In the autumn of 2020, Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland, and Jón Gunnar Ottósson, Director of the Icelandic Institute of Natural History, signed a co-operation agreement on strengthening research in the field of earth sciences in East Iceland and increasing the institute's share in the research carried out in the area. The University and the Institute jointly fund the position of a project manager at the centre, who curates the Drill Core Library of the Icelandic Institute of Natural History.

Publications

2022
Kleine B.I., Stefánsson A., Zierenberg R.A., Jeon H., Whitehouse M.J., Jónasson K., Fridleifsson G.Ó. & Weisenberger T.B. (2022) Sulfate (re-)cycling in the oceanic crust: Effects of seawater-rock interaction, sulfur reduction and temperature on the abundance and isotope composition of anhydrite. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 317, 65-90 (doi: 10.1016/j.gca.2021.10.016).

2021
Montanaro C, Mortensen A.K., Weisenberger T.B., Dingwell D.B. & Scheu B. (2021) Stratigraphic reconstruction of the Víti breccia at Krafla volcano (Iceland): insights into pre‑eruptive conditions priming explosive eruptions in geothermal areas. Bulletin of Volcanology, 83(11), 81 (doi: 10.1007/s00445-021-01502-y).

Nelson C.J., Jacobson A.D., Kitch G.D. & Weisenberger T.B. (accepted 09/2021) Large calcium isotope fractionations by zeolite minerals from Iceland. Communications Earth & Environment, 2 (1) (doi: 10.1038/s43247-021-00274-9).

Fosu B., Ghosh P., Weisenberger T.B., Spürgin S. & Viladkar S.G. (2021) A triple oxygen isotope perspective on the origin, evolution, and diagenetic alteration of carbonatites. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 299, 52-68 (doi: 10.1016/j.gca.2021.01.037).

Exhibition

The Research Centre hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions on scientific topics in collaboration with the Breiðdalssetur Foundation.

The 2022 summer exhibition, Drill Cores: A Glimpse Beneath the Surface, is the product of a collaboration between the research centre and the Icelandic Institute of Natural History. Guests can look at a variety of interesting drill cores and learn about the scientific and practical knowledge they reveal. The exhibition includes a special children's corner with fun tasks for the youngest geologists.

The permanent exhibition includes an array beautiful rocks and minerals that offer insight into the diverse geology of East Iceland. It also features the life and work of two important scientists with strong times to Breiðdalur, George Walker and Stefán Einarsson.

Walker was one of the 20th century's most prominent volcanologists. He conducted trailblazing research on the geological history of East Iceland, mapped ancient volcanoes (including the Breiðdalur Central Volcano) and gathered evidence that supported the then-new theory of plate tectonics. The linguist Stefán Einarsson, a native of the Breiðdalur valley, was professor of linguistics at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, USA. He was a productive scholar across many disciplines, particularly phonetics and literature, and most likely no one has ever introduced Iceland and Icelandic literature as thoroughly to the English-speaking world.

Opening Hours

Winter hours (Sep 2022 – May 2023):
No fixed opening hours. Staff members are usually on site from 10 am – 4 pm and visitors are always welcome.
Visits can also be pre-arranged by emailing mariahg@hi.is or calling +354 525-5341.
Entry is free of charge.

Staff