Sebastian Dötterl: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2020 |
| Name | Prof. Dr. Sebastian Dötterl |
| Name variants | Sebastian Doetterl Sebastian Dötterl |
| Field | Soil Ressources |
| Address | Professur für Bodenressourcen ETH Zürich, CHN F 31.1 Universitätstrasse 16 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND |
| Telephone | +41 44 633 60 20 |
| sdoetterl@usys.ethz.ch | |
| URL | https://soilres.ethz.ch/ |
| Department | Environmental Systems Science |
| Relationship | Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) |
| Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 701-0034-06L | Integrated Practical: Soil  | 3 credits | 3P | R. Kretzschmar, S. Dötterl, D. Or, L. Walthert | |
| Abstract | During three full-day field trips and two half-day field exercises, various aspects of soil morphology, soil genesis, and soil functioning are discussed using practical examples. | ||||
| Learning objective | Gaining practical knowledge in soil science in the field. | ||||
| Content | Soil description in the field, soil formation in Zurich-Nord, forest soils, carbon and nitrogen cycles, soil-water relations, soil conservation and landuse. | ||||
| Lecture notes | Handouts are provided during the course. | ||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Course "Pedosphere" or equivalent | ||||
| 701-0518-00L | Soil Resources and Global Change | 3 credits | 2G | S. Dötterl, M. W. Evangelou | |
| Abstract | Introduction into the importance, concepts and areas of action related to soil development and the use of soil resources in a changing world. | ||||
| Learning objective | Understanding the - conditions under which soils develop and are used at the global scale - consequences and problems of the use of soil and the resulting pressure on soil resources - impact of climate and global change on the future development of soil resources | ||||
| Content | Soil functions and soil formation; regional and global soil development, impacts of land use on soil water and gas circulation; forms of soil pollution and degradation; regional and global estimates of soil degradation; soil amendment and remediation of contaminated soils; planning and legal implementation of soil protection. | ||||
| Lecture notes | Handouts will be available for download. Related scientific articles will be recommended after each session. | ||||
| Literature | Some useful text books to know of: - Scheffer/Schachtschabel - Soil Science, Springer, Heidelberg, 2016. - Brady N.C. and Weil, R.R. The Nature and Properties of Soils. 14th ed. Prentice Hall, 2007. - Press & Siever: Allgemeine Geologie, 7th ed., Springer, Heidelberg, 2016. - Mason/Burt - Physical Geography, 5th ed., Oxford Uni. Press, Oxford, 2015. | ||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Prerequisites: Interest in physical geography and soil development. Basic knowledge in chemistry, biology and geology. A previous participation in lecture "Pedosphere" (701-0501-00L) is recommended. | ||||
| 701-1646-00L | Carbon and Nutrient Cycling in a Changing Climate and Land-Use | 5 credits | 3G | F. Hagedorn, T. Crowther, S. Dötterl | |
| Abstract | The course covers the pools and fluxes of carbon and nutrients in forests and dynamic landscapes and how they are affected by a changing climate and land-use. Specifically, the course explores carbon and nutrient cycling: (i) in vegetation and soils at the plot to global scale; (ii) the role of abiotic soil properties as controls; and (iii) the effects of climate changes and land management. | ||||
| Learning objective | The students learn to identify, analyze and propose solutions for problems associated with land management and climate change on carbon and nutrient cycling in forests and dynamic landscapes. | ||||
| Content | After short thematic introductions, the students will work in small groups on the following topics: Part 1 Carbon and nutrient pools and fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems of Switzerland o Carbon and nutrient cycles from the plot to national scale o Impacts of land use changes on biomass and soil carbon o Effects of soil warming and drought Part 2: Rock, soil, sediment: Geomorphic cascades and soil weathering o Weathering and geochemistry as controls on carbon and nutrient cycles o Feedbacks between soil development, soil transport and soil loss for carbon cycling o Global patterns and consequences of disturbance for soil landscapes Part 3: Global biogeochemical cycles and climate change o Global biogeochemical cycles and impacts on climate o Carbon cycle feedbacks to climate change o Changes in global nutrient balance The students will work on specific projects which includes the evaluation and interpretation of data as well as the preparation of a presentation either as a poster, report or a talk. | ||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Apart from a background in terrestrial ecosystems, the students must have basic knowledge in soil sciences, plant nutrition, and biogeochemical cycles. Given that the background of the students will be very heterogeneous, the course will build on individual learning and interactive teaching. The format of the course is that the students work in small groups of 2 or 3 members on a small project in each of the three parts of the course. Introductory information will be given on the first day of the course and at the beginning of each part. For structuring the project, homework will be given from week to week. Each group will do a poster presentation (end of part 1), a short report (end of part 2) and an oral presentation (end of part 3) on their respective subjects. Active participation at all contact hours is compulsory for all students. | ||||