Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Viking And Norse Settlers And Their Lasting Impact On Iceland And Its People, Nikolas J. Blanks

Student Works

The purpose of this research is to investigate the lasting impacts the Norse settlers had on Iceland’s environment and people. While in Iceland, a field journal was kept to record observations and notes. An interview was conducted on the various ways Vikings have left their mark on Iceland with the group's tour guide. It was discovered the Norse settlers’ deforestation of Iceland was the tipping point for the environment. Without the birch forests and other plants, the soil became loose and vulnerable to the strong winds of Iceland. Despite the Vikings’ role in the environment, it was observed that Icelanders …

Tourism In Iceland: How Is The Exponentially Increasing Tourism Industry Impacting Iceland’S Natural Wonders?, Julio Guardado, Nick F. Desaro

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Since the collapse of Iceland’s economy in 2008, tourism has been a leading factor in its recovery. However, the exponential increase in tourism has come with some negative consequences. These consequences were observed and analyzed over the span of a week spent collecting data around the country. Observations were made regarding pollution, environmental degradation, and the urbanization of natural sites. The data collected was recorded in field journals, and photographs were taken to support these findings. Interviews were also conducted with tour guides, locals, and business owners in order to gather inside perspectives on the issue. These interviews were conducted …

How Does Electric Vehicle Help An Average Person In Iceland?, Chandra Teja Tiriveedhi

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Automobile technology has been around for over a century and has allowed civilization the ability to become extremely mobile. Unfortunately, the technological advancement comes at an extreme cost with the emissions of various waste products such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Thus, many countries are looking to transition their carbon-based transportation system to a carbon neutral with the use of electricity. Iceland is a country that depends on renewable resources such as geothermal and hydroelectric power and recently there have been implementing electric vehicles in some towns. The usage of hydroelectric and geothermal power makes it durable to implement …

The Power Of Water: A Study On The Integration Of Geothermal And Glacial Resources In Iceland, Julianna E. Martorella, Genesis Vargas

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Iceland's unique geographic location provides the people with one main source of energy to keep them powered: water. Iceland can harness the energy from both geothermal and glacial water sources providing a sustainable lifestyle influenced further by the country’s culture. The water sources also provide a stable industry and economy for the population. Although easily accessible and plentiful, the water-based energy sources are carefully planned and constructed to prevent negative environmental impacts. Through a qualitative approach, research was conducted through field observations in country, interviews with natives, and through secondary accounts. These key water sources in Iceland essentially power the …

Effects Of Volcanicity In Iceland, Lilian Njoki Ng'ang'a

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Iceland is greatly known for its volcanicity as there are several eruptions that have occurred over the years. The country’s volcanology is due to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is a divergent tectonic boundary (Promote Iceland, n.d.). Due to this, the country is known to be responsible for a third of all the fresh lava on earth (Marteinn, 2018).

This research provides a deep dive into the effects of volcanicity and how the Icelandic people have adapted to it. The methods used to collect data for this research were secondary sources and interviews. It was evident that the …

Literature Review: Hydropower And Iceland's Environment, Olivia Villamagna

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This paper seeks to answer the question: To what extent do hydropower plants affect the surrounding environment? Through a literature review and personal accounts found on blogs and website articles, there were many conclusions that came from this research. A review of the literature indicated that use of hydropower influences the ecology around the plant. The power plant’s redirection of the river's water flow and reservoir submergence cause many problems for the surrounding environments. Hydropower plants can change the landscape due to the fact that the water they use is no longer providing the right nutrients to the previously flourishing …

Iceland’S Renewable Energy Sources & Climate Change, Daniel Roberts, Michael Conway

Student Works

Nearly all of Iceland’s energy comes from renewable resources, with the majority being hydroelectric energy, and the remainder being geothermal. For several months undergraduate student researchers from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, aided by faculty from the Office of Undergraduate Research, conducted secondary-source research on the effect climate change has on Iceland’s renewable resources currently, and progressing throughout the century. Additionally, research was conducted on how the Icelandic Government plans on responding to these eminent changes. Earth's rising temperatures are causing a shrinkage of Iceland’s glaciers, and changing the water runoff from their glaciers at an alarming rate. Iceland’s dams are currently …