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651-4902-00L 3 Credits MSC D-ERDW
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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: 2026-02-05 15:40:46

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 characterization; 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; alluvial and debris-flow fan processes; Alpine rock slope failure landform/sediment associations; Alpine Quaternary stratigraphy; long-term uplift and denudation of the Alps.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Slides from the lectures will be made available.

Literature

Lists of key scientific articles will be given for each topic. Relevant scientific articles will be distributed during the course.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Registration & Places

Max Places
20
Signup End
15.03.2020
Priority: Registration for the course unit is until 10.02.2020 only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

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

Offered In