Biogeochemistry of Alpine Habitats (Block Course)

Abstract

This course provides hands-on training in state-of-the-art methods to study microbial structures and biogeochemical processes in diverse Alpine systems. The emphasis is on field-scale measurements of biogeochemical processes, but the course also includes introductory lectures, laboratory experiments/analyses, as well as excursions, and concludes with student presentations of collected data.

Objective

Characterization of microbial structures and quantification of biogeochemical processes in natural Alpine habitats using state-of-the-art molecular, chemical, and physical tools. We will study diverse Alpine habitats such as microbial mats, Alpine wetlands, and the famous, permenantly stratified Lake Cadagno. Students will get acquainted with different methods such as greenhouse-gas flux measurements, micro sensors, determination of depth profiles, microbiological techniques, etc. The students will also learn to collect samples in aquatic and terrestrial systems.

Content

The field course is taught at the Alpine Biology Center (CBA) in Val Piora (TI), located at almost 2000 m above sea level next to famous Lake Cadagno.

Resources