Wild science: undertaking geomorphological research on youth expeditions

Every year the British Exploring Society takes large groups of young people (ages 16-25) on expeditions to remote areas of the world. The expeditions focus on adventure, science and media activities and are undertaken in wilderness environments. The nature of these expeditions allows many young people to be introduced to, and take part in, various scientific projects. In 2016 the expeditions were based in the Amazon (Manu, Peru) and the Himalayas (Ladakh, India). The scientific programmes of the two expeditions included geomorphological projects. In Peru the project explored the link between vegetation density, soil structure, and micro-climate along an anthropogenic gradient extending from a human inhabited area through to pristine primary rainforest. In India the project focused on recent environmental change in the Indian Himalaya, with geomorphological mapping a key component of the project. This will be combined with remote sensing data and palaeolimnological research. Through the inclusion of such fieldwork on the expeditions more young people will be introduced to a number of geomorphological ideas and techniques. It is hoped that there will be a number of benefits of participating in real-world research including: an increased interest and understanding of the natural environment; the acquisition of new fieldwork and scientific skills; the development of science communication skills; and something different to put on the CV!