651-4902-00L  Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology of the Alps

SemesterSpring Semester 2021
LecturersS. Ivy Ochs, N. Akçar, U. H. Fischer
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish
CommentGeography and Earth System Sciences students UZH may attend the lecture but will have to pay the full amount for the excursion (no subsidies from UZH).



Courses

NumberTitleHoursLecturers
651-4902-00 VQuaternary Geology and Geomorphology of the Alps
In addition Field trip
2 hrs
Mon08:15-10:00NO E 39 »
S. Ivy Ochs, N. Akçar, U. H. Fischer

Catalogue data

AbstractAfter a brief introduction to the scientific principles of glaciology, we survey the present state of knowledge on Pleistocene glacial periods and post-glacial landscape modification in the Alps. Emphasis is on understanding modes of formation of landscape elements attributable to glacial, glaciofluvial, periglacial, fluvial, hillslope, and mass wasting processes.
ObjectiveThrough a combination of lectures, classroom practical exercises, and field mapping of Quaternary landforms, an intuitive understanding of the formation and evolution of the landscape of the Alps and the forelands will be built up.
We focus on development of the following skills: landform recognition on remote imagery and in the field; depositional process identification based on sediment characterization; reconstruction of valley-scale geomorphological evolutionary sequences.
ContentThe following topics will be covered: glacier mass and energy balance; glacier motion; glacier hydrology; glacial erosion; glacial sediment balance; piedmont and valley glacier landsystems; till formation; glaciofluvial sediments; alluvial and debris-flow fan processes; Alpine rock slope failure landform/sediment associations; Alpine Quaternary stratigraphy; long-term uplift and denudation of the Alps.
Lecture notesSlides from the lectures will be made available.
LiteratureLists of key scientific articles will be given for each topic.
Relevant scientific articles will be distributed during the course.
Prerequisites / NoticeStudents registering for the course confirm having read and accepted the terms and conditions for excursions and field courses of D-ERDW Link

Required attendance at lectures and excurisions (several 1-day excursions during the semester and one 3-day field mapping session during the summer).

Geography and Earth System Sciences students UZH may attend this excursion at full costs (no subsidies from UZH).

Grading will be a combination of classroom participation, student presentations, practical exercises, field reports, and field maps from the excursions.

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
ECTS credits3 credits
ExaminersS. Ivy Ochs, N. Akçar, U. H. Fischer
Typegraded semester performance
Language of examinationEnglish
RepetitionRepetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit.

Learning materials

 
Main linkInformation on Excursions and Field Courses of D-ERDW
Additional linksTerms and Conditions for Excursions and Field Courses at D-ERDW
Only public learning materials are listed.

Groups

No information on groups available.

Restrictions

Places20 at the most
PriorityRegistration for the course unit is until 15.02.2021 only possible for the primary target group
Primary target groupEarth Sciences MSc (660000)
Applied Geophysics MSc (662000)
Doctorate Earth Sciences (664002)
Doctorate Earth Sciences ETH-UZH (665000)
Doctorate Earth Sciencess UZH-ETH (665100)
Earth and Climate Sciences (Mobility) (674000)
Waiting listuntil 20.02.2021
End of registration periodRegistration only possible until 21.03.2021

Offered in

ProgrammeSectionType
Earth Sciences MasterSedimentology: Courses of ChoiceWInformation
Earth Sciences MasterQuaternary Geology and GeomorphologyOInformation