CryoGeoEcology: Snow and Snow Cover Field Course

Abstract

In this field course we will study physical and chemical properties of snow and ice as determinants in high altitude ecosystems such as alpine forest ecotones, high-altitude tundra, nival zones, thawing permafrost and newly appearing glacial retreat lakes, flood basins and swamps. Seasonal snow impacts the habitat conditions and thus the responses of organisms.

Objective

Introducing cryosphere ecosystems and understanding snow microphysics and chemistry as ecological parameters. Developing an appreciation for life under extreme conditions and its special adaptations. Transforming results from small-scale studies to better understand global change phenomena. Collecting experience during field work and learning lab techniques applied to snow studies. Practicing guided self-learning and searching for and evaluating scientific literature. Designing and executing a small project and reporting about its outcome.

Content

1. Physical and chemical properties of and processes in snow: What they are and how we measure them; snowflake crystal structures, their formation. 2. Cryo-Geology: Local / global climatic effects on permafrost, glacial and polar ice sheet melting, and on rock weathering. Global cold phases in Earth history. 3. Cryosphere Ecology: Consequences of seasonal snow-water transitions on the local hydrology. 4. Ice & Snow-Biogeochemistry: Nutrient cycling on, in, and below the snow cover; sequestration of organic carbon in cryo-soils; temperature, activity, and diversity proxies preserved in soil and ice organics. 5. Cryo-Geobiology: Adaptation to psychrophilic lifestyles, pioneer microbial diversity in snow and cryoconite holes, primary productivity, and trophic networks. 6. Engineering and socio-economic aspects: The role of snow for tourism and alpine water resources; mechanical mass transport of snow; prevention of natural disasters, global change impact.

Resources