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, with focus on research and dissemination of research results, as well as teaching and supervision of graduate students in earth sciences.

In the autumn of 2020, Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector, 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.

The centre manages the Drill Core Library of the Icelandic Institute of Natural History.

Research

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 centre features an exhibition on the geology of Iceland and its manifestations in East Iceland. It also includes rooms dedicated to the legacy of scientists 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.

From 1 February – 31 May 2022, we do not have fixed opening hours. Staff are often around between 10 am–4 pm on weekdays. Guests are welcome to drop in.

It is also possible to pre-arrange a visit, including outside these hours, by emailing mariahg@hi.is or calling +354 525-5341.

Entry is free of charge.

Staff