651-4044-02L  Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry Field Course

SemesterSpring Semester 2016
LecturersT. I. Eglinton, D. Vance
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish
CommentNumber of participants limited to 25.

Lectures from "Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry" and "Organic Geochemistry and Biogeochemical Cycles" are recommended but not mandatory for participation in the field course.


Abstract1. Microbial roles in dissolving and forming minerals
2. Interactions between geochemical, hydrologic and atmospheric determinants in alpine environments
3. Carbon sequestration in glacial retreat areas, soil formation in different bedrock areas, geochemical nutrient scavenging in nutrient-poor high mountain ecosystems
4. Physiological adaptation to extreme conditions
ObjectiveIllustrating basic geological, chemical and geo-microbiological topics under natural conditions and relating them to past, present and future global environmental conditions.
Each course participant focuses on a scientific question related to one of the course topics, searches for details in the literature and presents a short summary of his / her course research.

Didactic Approach: Preparation lectures, investigation of field sites, sampling and sample preservation and follow-up analyses for the lab module (651-4044-01L), studying papers, exercises on concept formulation, ecosystem modeling, presentation of field results.
The preparation for the fieldwork is designed as a partial distance-learning course via the internet. Lectures along with other course material can be viewed before the field course. Students will need to complete a variety of assignments and participate at discussion forums on OLAT before the field course.
ContentThe field course (651-4044-02L) will take place from August 29 to September 3. It will be followed by a laboratory module from September 5 to September 9 (independent sign-up under 651-4044-01L).
Sites visited depends on the weather, accessibility of the sites in case of early snow and the time. Selection of topics (not all sites listed will be visited every year):
1. Biogeochemical processes in rock weathering and the formation of minerals: Gonzen, former iron mine; Alvaneu, sulfur springs. Chemical and microbially mediated transformation of carbonates and gypsum: Albula valley region.
2. Geomicrobiology and hydrogeochemistry in thermal spring (Tamina gorge, Pfäffers) and cold water mineral springs of the Lower Engadin Window: Highly mineralized spring water emerging from low grade metamorphic rocks (Bündner shist) by ion exchange processes and release of rock interstitial fluids.
3. Geochemical nutrient sequestration in high mountain lakes and in snow and ice: Joeri lake area (Silvretta gneiss).
4. Coupled processes in biogeochemical iron, manganese and phosphorus cycling: Jöri lake XIII.
5. Primary processes in soil and peat formation (inorganic to organic transition, carbon sequestration) and colonization: Glacial retreat flood plains, early vegetation on delta and moraine soils.
6. Life styles under extreme conditions: Microorganisms and small invertebrates in ice (Cryoconite holes), snow and highly mineralized spring water.
7. Formation and weathering of serpentinite (Totalp) and effects on soil formation and on vegetation.
8. Economic aspects of geohydrology: mineral water market and wellness tourism.
Lecture notesThe new field guides and details about the course logistics will become available on OLAT in January via Details under Link
Instructions will be sent during the spring semester to participants who are enrolled for this course in "MyStudies".
LiteratureLecture slides and literature references are available on the corresponding OLAT site: Details under Link
Prerequisites / NoticeSites and course contents can vary from year to year depending on interest, accessibility and weather conditions.
Field-work can last up to 8 hours daily and will take place at altitudes up to 3000m. This requires endurance and a certain physical fitness. Participants need to be prepared.
Target Groups: Field course and lab module for the upper level Bachelor curriculum and for Master students.

This field course is coupled to the lab practical "651-4044-01 P Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry Lab Practical", when samples collected during the field work will be analyzed. Students who sign up for both, the field and the lab component, have priority. It is possible, however, to participate at the field section only.
The lecture courses "651-4004-00L Organic Geochemistry and the Global Carbon Cycle" and "651-4044-00L Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry" are good preparations for the combined Field-Lab Course. Taking one of them is a mandatory prerequisite for participation in the Lab-module, not so, however, but recommended for optimally profiting from the field course.