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Source to Sink Sedimentary Systems
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:42
Abstract
Transfer and redistribution of material on Earth’s surface is controlled by myriad processes. To investigate these, this course will address the production, transport, and deposition of sediments and will probe their interactions with biogeochemical cycles. We will integrate catchment-scale sediment dynamics with associated (organic) carbon cycling at all stages of the “source to sink” continuum.
Objective
This course will integrate several Earth-science disciplines (geology, geomorphology, and biogeochemistry) to provide a holistic understanding of the physical and biogeochemical processes that control sediment and (organic) carbon production and mobilization along geomorphic cascades. The primary objective is to track the evolution of a particle as it is produced by rock weathering, transformed during soil development, eroded and transported by fluvial processes, and eventually buried in depositional systems. In doing so, students will learn how to “see a world through a grain of sand.”
Content
This course will comprise three main components: (i) Lectures will introduce the main “source to sink” concepts and will focus on both physical and biogeochemical processes from uplands, sediment-producing regions to lowland, sediment-depositing regions (i.e., erosion and mass movements; hillslopes, soil development, and the “critical zone”; transport and storage in rivers and floodplains; and deposition in sedimentary archives). (ii) A three-day field excursion from the Rhône Glacier to the Rhône Delta in Lake Geneva (Sept. 27-29, 2024) will provide hands-on examples of these concepts within the upper Rhône Basin. During the excursion, students will present a summary of an assigned relevant scientific paper and will sample solid- and dissolved-phase materials (soils, sediments, river water) from different geomorphic settings and upstream to downstream fluvial environments; these samples will form the basis of two laboratory-based practical exercises. (iii) Practicals will comprise two group exercises: (1) an assessment of Rhône river chemical weathering, including its erosional and lithological controls, using dissolved river-water samples; and (2) an investigation of Alpine soil formation and erosion, including its lithological and environmental controls, using solid-phase soil and sediment samples. For both practicals, students will learn relevant analytical instrumentation; generate data using samples collected in the field; and write a scientific report on their findings, environmental context, and interpretation within the “source to sink” concept. Grading will be distributed as: 30% field excursion participation and literature review, 35% Practical 1, 35% Practical 2.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Lecture notes will be provided online during the course. These will provide necessary theoretical background, summarize relevant “source to sink” topics, and serve as the basis for knowledge to be incorporated into both Practical assignments.
Literature
Prior knowledge on the fundamentals of geomorphology, (bio)geochemistry, and/or soil science is highly encouraged. While not strictly required, additional suggested literature includes: - "Sediment routing systems: the fate of sediments from Source to Sink" by Philip A. Allen (Cambridge University Press) - "Principles of soilscape and landscape evolution” by Garry Willgoose (Cambridge University Press) - "Geomorphology, the mechanics and chemistry of landscapes" by Robert S. Anderson & Suzanne P. Anderson (Cambridge University Press)
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 20
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Source to Sink Sedimentary Systems
Additional will be an excursion.
|
No time listed | 28 h semesterly |
Offered In
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Restricted Choice Modules Geology (A minimum of two restricted choice modules must be completed for the major Geology.)
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Major in Forest and Landscape Management (from HS25 onwards) (Students who start the specialization in Forest and Landscape Management in HS25 or later study according to the 2013 regulations, edition 29.04.2025 - 8. The new structure of this specialization is shown in the current VVZ. Students who started the specialization in Forest and Landscape Management before HS25 can complete the specialization in accordance with the study guide 2024/25.)
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