701-0362-00L  Soils and Vegetation of the Alps (Excursion)

SemesterSpring Semester 2021
LecturersA. Widmer, R. Kretzschmar
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionGerman
CommentDiese Exkursion (max. 24 Plätze) gehört zur Vorlesung «Flora und Vegetation der Alpen» (701-0364-00; A. Widmer). Sie kann nur gleichzeitig mit der Vorlesung oder nach bestandener Prüfung belegt werden. Alternativ ist eine Teilnahme möglich mit bestandenen Prüfungen in «Boden- und Wasserchemie» (701-0533-00L; R. Kretzschmar, D.I. Christl, L. Winkel) und «Pedosphäre» (701-0501-00L; R. Kretzschmar).


AbstractThe excursion in the area of Davos illustrates how climatic and edaphic factors shape the distribution of alpine plants. Visits of multiple sites on different bedrocks in the subalpine and alpine elevational belts reveal connections between climatic conditions, soil formation and vegetation development.
Learning objectiveThe students
- understand how parent rock, topography, climate, and vegetation influence soil forming processes and resulting soil properties (e.g. nutrients, water) in the Alps.
- understand, how climatic and edaphic factors affect the occurrence and distribution of alpine plants.
- are familiar with characteristic plant communities on acidic, basic and ultramafic bedrock in the subalpine and alpine elevational belts.
- know characteristic plant species and plant communities of the subalpine and alpine elevational belts in the Alps.
Content4-day excursion in the area of Davos with visits of sites on different bedrock (dolomite, gneiss/mica schist, amphibolite, serpentinite) in the subalpine and alpine elevational belts.
Structure, development and characteristics of the soils and of their effects on the vegetation; characteristic plant species and communities on different soil types.
Lecture notesA guide to the excursion will be made available.
LiteratureLandolt E. 2003: Unsere Alpenflora. 7.Aufl., SAC-Verlag.
Prerequisites / NoticePlease note that this course will be taught in German.