Mapping of sedimentary rocks and stratigraphic units with the final production of a geological map at 1:10.000 scale. Writing a report illustrating the main facies and characters of the units, the Quaternary surficial deposits and the tectonic structures affecting the sedimentary rocks.

Reconstruction of time scales is critical for all Quaternary studies in Geology and Archeology. Various methods are applied depending on the time range of interest and the archive studied. In this lecture, we focus on the last 50 ka and the methods that are most frequently used for dating Quaternary sediments and landforms in this time range.

The student will learn about how glacial, periglacial, fluvial, gravitational, and karst processes produce characteristic landforms and sediments. The student is introduced to subdivisions of the Quaternary, with a focus on climatic changes in the Alps. Competency in these themes is gained through practical exercises and discussion.Obligatory excursion: October 3, 2026.

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.