Island to island for young geologist

11:21am Saturday 6th September 2008

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STUDENT Gwen Hawkins has returned home after spending five weeks camped on an Icelandic mountainside.

Former Royal Manor pupil Gwen, 22, visited a remote area on the east of the island to map out the boundaries of an extinct volcano.

Gwen, who is studying for a geology degree at Edinburgh University, carried out the work with fellow student Katie Bowness.

She said: "The weather conditions in Iceland were extreme.

"One time a severe fog came down really quickly and we had to use the global positioning system to get ourselves back to camp again safely."

She added: "It was an unforgettable experience, but I won't be camping again in a hurry."

The Portland Gas Trust, part of Portland Gas plc, pledged £500 for Gwen's trip.

They used the money to buy a global positioning system and VHF radio equipment.

Gwen and Katie covered 60 square kilometres on their trip.

"They trekked up and down mountains, and took samples and marked maps.

They were based near the town of Borgarfjordur Eystri, which has a population of 140.

The duo camped in difficult weather conditions, including heavy fog, rain and snow.

At one point their tent blew down and the town mayor and his family took in the girls for three nights.

The pair are now analysing their findings and drawing up final results.

The trip was part of Gwen's dissertation project.

Gwen said: "I think growing up on Portland and always being outdoors led me to develop an interest in geology. On this expedition I wanted to go somewhere new, that hadn't been explored before.

"It was a good feeling knowing that we were doing something new that might help others in the future."

Rachel Barton, who is community liaison officer for Portland Gas plc said the trust was thrilled to have supported Gwen's trip.

She said: "The trust aims to support the environment, education and geology on Portland and Gwen's project fitted the bill perfectly.

"We were very pleased to be able to support Gwen and to help her get on with her geology degree."