Norway 2012

The Tunsbergdalsbreen Project

When: 7– 27th August 2012

Where: Jostedal Icecap, Southern Norway

How much: £1600 all inclusive - THIS EXPED IS FULL!

How to book: Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Co-ordinator: Morgan Gibson

Pre-requisites: 18+ , a good level of fitness, interest in geography and some  previous winter mountaineering experience  desirable, but definitely not essential!

Download the Application Form and the Medical Form

Expedition Overview

The Tunsbergdalsbreen 2012 project is now in its fourth year, with an aim to introduce young people to glacial environments and to carry out vital monitoring of the biggest outlet glacier from the Jostedal ice cap in Norway.  The project is in partnership with the  Brathay Exploration Group,, the Norwegian Glacier Museum, Field Studies Council and Newcastle University. The expedition received Royal Geographical  Society approval in 2011.

Brathay Exploration Group ran many expeditions to Tunsbergdalsbreen in the 1950s and 60s surveying with manual methods. This expedition seeks to use modern techniques to compare with past work.  This is a perfect expedition for University Undergraduates interested in glacial environments.

Expedition Training

The team will meet for a UK- based training weekend in the Lake district to become familiar with equipment and take part in the planning process of the expedition.  In Norway the team  will undertake a three day glacier course, guided by qualified instructors.

Expedition Work

The aim of the expedition is to collect data on the Tunsberg glacier.
A number of methods are used, including  dGPS surveying to map the topography, positioning of markers and measuring previously placed stones to calculate ice velocity, measuring the snout position with laser binoculars and re-taking panoramic photos.  All the skills needed for the work are learnt on the expedition. A great opportunity to try your hand at field work unlike any you have done before!

Itinerary

Day 1-3 - travel to Norway by minibus and ferry
Day 4 – introduction day at the Glacier Museum to learn survey techniques
Day 5-7 – 3 day Glacier course on nigardsbreen
Day 8 – Walk to take panoramic photo and conservation work
Day 9-16 – Transfer to camp and carry out glacial surveying on Tunsberg glacier
Day 17 – Debriefing and farewell meal
Day 18-20 – travel home

You can follow the progress of the Norway expedition online

Download the full BEC Norway 2011 Expedition Report

Take a look at this article...