From Washington to Iceland: Exploring Geology and Sustainability

What can the landscapes of Washington and Iceland teach us about sustainability?

This summer, 19 University of Washington students, including 10 from UW Bothell’s School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, explored this question through “Water, Fire, and Ice: How Geology Shapes Sustainability in Washington and Iceland,” a study abroad experience led by IAS faculty, Avery Shinneman and Jennifer Atkinson.

The course took students from the volcanic landscapes of Mount St. Helens and the Pacific Northwest to Iceland, where they examined how geology, geography, and culture influence approaches to sustainable energy.

Along the way, students documented their experiences, discoveries and reflections through a collaborative class blog, offering a firsthand look at learning beyond the classroom.