Second Polar Winter School focused on snow properties, air pollution, remote sensing, and snow hydrology and landscape organized in Hvanneyri, Iceland on March 2-8, 2025 was just amazing. This event was organised by the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague together with the Icelandic University of Agriculture as part of the activities of the Nordic Snow Network, which brings together institutions involved in polar research. First couple of days students experienced wind and precipitation in all forms, then they were rewarded by beautiful weather. Polar Winter School offered an exceptional educational experience focused on the critical study of polar regions, which are currently facing dramatic changes due to climate change.
During the week, participants visited a hydroelectric power plant, made snow pits where snow properties and profiles were analysed, visited the Langjökull glacier and ice cave, and measured the snow impurities. The programme also included lectures from expert lecturers from Czech Republic, Finland and Iceland on many topics including: snow physics, air pollution, Icelandic soil and remote sensing. A total of 25 students took part in the Polar Winter School – the highest number of students came from Czech Republic (5), Germany (3), Turkey (3) and USA (2), then single representatives from Bangladesh, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Indonesia, Ireland, Luxembourg/United States, Netherlands, Poland, and Russia.
This event would not happen without the financial and material support from Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme, European Geoscience Union, UArctic Thematic Networks, Summit Trade and BCA.
