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Limnogeology
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:32
Abstract
This course links lakes, their subsurface and their environment. It will be discussed how lake sediments record past environmental changes (e.g. climate, human impact, natural hazards) and how lake sediments can be used to reconstruct these changes. Emphasis is also given on the modern limnologic processes essential in interpreting the fossil record. Field and laboratory work is foreseen.
Objective
Students are able to - explain and discuss the role of lake sediments as archives of environmental change. - plan an own limnogeologic campaign, i.e. finding, recovering, analyzing and interpreting the sedimentary lake archive to solve a particular scientific question. - examine the complexity of a lake system with all its connection to the environment. - relate subaerial processes with subaquatic processes. - identify processes around and in lakes causing natural hazards.
Content
Content of the course: Introduction - Lakes, the small oceans History of Limnogeology. Limnogeologic campaigns The water column: Aquatic physics (currents, waves, oscillations, etc.). Sediments caught in the water: sediment traps Geophysical survey methods (multibeam bathymetry, seismics) Large open perialpine lakes. Laminations in lake sediments: Clastic vs. biochemical varves. Hydrologically closed lake systems Chronostratigraphic dating of lake sediments Lake sediments as proxies for climate change Lake sediments as recorder of anthropogenic impact The class includes 2 lectures as field work on Lake Zurich. Introduction to themes of Lake Zurich field work. Limnogeological methods on the lake and in the laboratory: various sampling and surveying techniques (water analysis, seismic surveying, sediment coring, laboratory analyses). Seismic-to-core correlation and interpretation
Resources
Lecture Notes
Will be distributed in each class unit.
Literature
Will be distributed in each class unit.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC , GS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Limnogeology |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Electives (The electives listed are recommended. Additional courses can be chosen from the complete offerings of the ETH Zurich and University of Zurich.)
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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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