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651-4902-00L 3 Credits MSC , SHE D-ERDW

Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology of the Alps

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Urs Heinrich Fischer, Prof. em. Dr. Susan Ivy Ochs, Dr. Naki Akçar

Geography 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).

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-04 00:13:35

Abstract

After 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.

Objective

Through 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 study in outcrop; reconstruction of valley-scale geomorphological evolutionary sequences.

Content

The 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; periglacial landfroms and processes, alluvial and debris-flow fan processes; Alpine rock slope failure landform/sediment associations; Alpine Quaternary stratigraphy. Mandatory field days: April 20, June 27-28.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Slides from the lectures will be made available.

Literature

Lists of key scientific articles will be given for each topic.

Learning Materials (Links)

Main link
Information on Excursions and Field Courses of D-ERDW
Additional links
Terms and Conditions for Excursions and Field Courses at D-ERDW

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC , SHE
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Registration & Places

Signup End: 29.04.2026

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology of the Alps In addition: foreland and Alpine field excursions	Mon 08:15-10:00 (NO E 39)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Earth Sciences Master
- Major in Geology
  - Restricted Choice Modules Geology (A minimum of two restricted choice modules must be completed for the major Geology.)
    - Sedimentology
      - Sedimentology: Courses of Choice
  - Open Choice Modules Geology
    - Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology
Geography Teaching Diploma (More informations at : )
- Additional Requirements (ETH-Master Students in ERDW and AC)
  - Part 2