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701-0362-00L 2 Credits BSC , MSC D-USYS , D-BIOL

Soils and Vegetation of the Alps (Block Course)

Böden und Vegetation der Alpen (Blockkurs)

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Alex Widmer, Prof. Dr. Ruben Kretzschmar
This excursion (max. 24 places) is part of the lecture "Flora and Vegetation of the Alps" (701-0364-00; A. Widmer). It can only be taken at the same time as the lecture or after passing the exam. Alternatively, participation is possible with passed exams in "Soil and Water Chemistry" (701-0533-00L; R. Kretzschmar, D.I. Christl, L. Winkel) and "Pedosphere" (701-0501-00L; R. Kretzschmar).
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:06

Abstract

The excursion in the area of Davos illustrates how the interactions between climatic and edaphic factors shape the distribution of alpine plants. Visits of multiple sites on different bedrocks in the subalpine and alpine elevational belts reveal connections between climatic conditions, soil formation and vegetation development.

Objective

The students - understand how parent rock, topography, climate, and vegetation influence soil forming processes and resulting soil properties (e.g. nutrients, water) in the Alps. - understand, how climatic and edaphic factors affect the occurrence and distribution of alpine plants. - are familiar with characteristic plant communities on acidic, basic and ultramafic bedrock in the subalpine and alpine elevational belts. - know characteristic plant species and plant communities of the subalpine and alpine elevational belts in the Alps.

Content

4-day excursion (Monday 29 June to Wednesday 2 July 2026) in the Davos area with visits of sites on different bedrock (dolomite, gneiss/mica schist, amphibolite, serpentinite) in the subalpine and alpine elevational belts. Structure, development and characteristics of the soils and of their effects on the vegetation; characteristic plant species and communities on different soil types.

Resources

Lecture Notes

A guide to the excursion will be made available.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance
Moodle-Test und aktive Teilnahme an der gesamten Exkursion

Registration & Places

Max Places
24
Signup End
27.03.2026
Priority: Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
practical/laboratory course Böden und Vegetation der Alpen (Blockkurs)
Permission from lecturers required for all students. Exkursion in der Region Davos vom 29. Juni bis 2. Juli 2026. Diese Exkursion baut auf der Vorlesung «Flora und Vegetation der Alpen» (701-0364-00; A. Widmer) und auf der Vorlesung «Boden- und Wasserchemie (701-0533-00; Kretzschmar, Christl & Winkel) auf. An der Exkursion kann nur nach bestandener Prüfung in mindestens einer dieser Lehrveranstaltungen teilgenommen werden. Falls gleichwertige Voraussetzungen (z.B. von anderen Hochschulen) vorliegen, muss eine Teilnahme zuvor mit den Dozenten abgesprochen werden.
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In