| Date: 5 December 2001 |
RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR ALPINE AND SUBALPINE
ENVIRONMENTS
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
&
INATURA (VORARLBERGER NATURSCHAU)
Dornbirn, Austria
An
introduction into alpine and subalpine environments in a key
sector of the northern Alps
July 7 - 14th, 2002
Presented under the sponsorship of:
Division of Earth Sciences of UNESCO
Supported by the IAG
(International Association of
Geomorphologists)
Organisation :
RESEARCH
FOUNDATION FOR ALPINE AND SUBALPINE ENVIRONMENTS
INATURA
(VORARLBERGER NATURSCHAU)
INTRODUCTION
A one-week, geoscientific summer-school programme - followed by fieldwork for a limited number of summer-school participants - will be presented in Vorarlberg, from 7-14 July 2002.
- This project
is organized on the initiative of the 'Research
Foundation for Alpine and Subalpine Environments' (RFASE, founded March
2001 by staff members from the former 'Alpine Geomorphology Research Group',
University of Amsterdam), with the full scientific, logistic and financial
support of the 'Vorarlberger Naturschau'
(VN: Dornbirn, W-Austria).
- The
summer-school project also was made feasible through a substantial financial
donation by the Firma Doppelmayr A.G
(Wolfurt, Vorarlberg).
- The manifestation
will run under the sponsorship of the Division of Earth Sciences of UNESCO and is supported by the IAG (International Association of
Geomorphologists).
- Within the
framework of the 'Year of Mountains'
the Summer-school will be followed by an IAG-Symposium
on Sunday 14 July 2002, thus linking up the summer-school programme with an 'Intensive
Course' of CERG (Centre Européen sur
les Risques Geomorphologiques, Council of Europe, Strasbourg) being scheduled
from 15-21 July 2002, also organized by RFASE and INATURA (Vorarlberger
Naturschau).
JUSTIFICATION
The
organisation and presentation of a summer-school programme in Vorarlberg by
RFASE and by INATURA will be undertaken to distribute unique knowledge and
field experience obtained during decades of student training, research and
contract work in this part of the northern Alps. Some past achievements and
recent activities are:
- Geomorphological mapping (at scale 1:10,000) has
been carried out over extensive areas in and around Vorarlberg. Mapping proved
to be a powerful tool in landscape and project-site analysis. Two series of 12
map sheets (A-2) with natural hazard and geotechnical overlays have been
published, providing an important data base for further research, other
derivative maps, GIS, contract work and EU-funded projects (e.g. Cartesian,
2000).
- Knowledge of the glaciation history of the Rhine
Glacier system in and around Vorarlberg has substantially increased. Climate
reconstructions of the Upper Würm are in progress.
- Much experience has been gained with slope stability
problems (fossil and active mass movements) and with related hazard and risk
analysis.
- A 'Geotopeninventar' (inventory of unique geo-sites,
prepared in 1987) recently attracted renewed attention by the government of
Vorarlberg. This inventory will be modernized and has to be completed for all
communities during the coming years.
- Since the early eighties, a number of detailed case
studies (mainly contract work for engineering and forestry departments) has been
carried out in Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, now offering splendid
sites for demonstration and instruction.
There are
several other reasons to select Vorarlberg as an international centre for
scientific and educational projects like the Summer-school :
- Vorarlberg is considered to be most suitable for
earth-scientific and landscape-ecological training and research. The alpine and
subalpine environments in this northern section of the Alps are highly dynamic
and show much variation. Its geology and geomorphology is rich and complex.
Moreover, the different landscape types are very well preserved: fields are
only slightly modified by agriculture, as traditional land-use is cattle
farming and forestry.
- Additional advantages can be mentioned. Most of the
valleys and research areas in and around Vorarlberg are well accessible. Aerial
photographs are available. Private accommodation during fieldwork is not too
expensive and can easily be arranged. INATURA (the 'Vorarlberger Naturschau')
and other cooperating institutions are offering modern facilities and support
for training and research.
In general:
A good knowledge of materials, processes and landforms is fundamental to
understand the evolution of dynamic and vulnerable environments. Integrated
geological, geomorphological and environmental (landscape-ecological) field
training is nowadays rarely part of the university curricula in geosciences,
but should be considered as a 'must'. Integrated training also is of great
value to bridge gaps with related disciplines.
Therefore,
the aim of this course is to
demonstrate how detailed knowledge on alpine and subalpine environments can be
obtained, as well as to increase field experience in geosciences:
Course participants will be learned 'to read landscapes' in complex
settings and to evaluate field conditions in the context of various scientific
and practical demands.
TARGET GROUP
The Summer-school is intended for geoscientists
with a general interest in alpine and subalpine environments and for advanced
students, as well as for persons who are professionally involved in
mountainous areas, e.g. employees of geological, forestry, engineering
and planning departments.
The one-week programme in Vorarlberg can accommodate
40 participants. The programme may be extended by 1-4 weeks of fieldwork for a
limited number of the summer-school participants (10-12). Fieldwork programmes
will be arranged individually and may be part of a main, or secondary, subject
of study. Guidance and field training is by RFASE staff and/or by own staff
members.
SUBSCRIPTION
For subscription and further information (fieldwork!)
please contact Dr. A. C. Seijmonsbergen, b/a IBED-Fysische Geografie
(University of Amsterdam), Nieuwe Achtergracht 166, NL-1018 WV AMSTERDAM. Tel. 0031-(0)20-5257427.
E-mail: A.C.Seijmonsbergen@science.uva.nl
ACCOMMODATION and COSTS
The
summer-school programme will end on Saturday-evening, but will be followed by
the IAG Symposium on Sunday, 14 July. For this reason accommodation is offered
in the Kolpinghaus in Dornbirn (double bed rooms; breakfast included), from
Sunday-evening the 7th of July, up to Monday-morning the 15th
of July. Further details:
l Professional participants (e.g. staff
members of geological, forestry and/or engineering departments have to pay a course fee of 500 Euros, which
includes the same facilities as indicated for students (for additional
information see scholarships and programme).
l Students attending the one-week
summer-course have to pay a contribution
of 100 Euros, which includes
materials, excursions, accommodation from 7-15 July, and participation in the
IAG-Symposium. Some lunches/buffets/dinners are provided as well (see
programme).
l Travel to/from Vorarlberg and fieldwork expenses are not paid for (see
scholarships).
l Fieldwork guidance by RFASE staff
members is offered free of charge.
SCHOLARSHIPS
RFASE and
the Division of Earth Sciences (SC/GEO) of UNESCO are considering to exonerate
five professionals from developing countries from the payment
of the fee of 500 Euros for the one-week course. SC/GEO of UNESCO will also
consider to offer two study grants (to
a maximum of US$ 500 each), that will partially cover the costs of air-tickets
of two professionals from developing countries.
Moreover, the
Executive Committee of the International Association of Geomorphologists (IAG)
decided to offer two grants to cover
travelling expenses (to a maximum of
1,000 Euros per person) and course fees (including subscription,
materials, excursions, accommodation) for two
young geomorphologists from less
favoured countries of Africa, Latin America and Asia. Selection of
applicants will be carried out by the IAG.
For further
information on the IAG-Scholarships (as well as on the IAG Symposium on Sunday,
14 July 2002), please contact Prof. Mauro Soldati - Dipartimento di Scienze
della Terra - Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia - Largo S. Eufemia, 19 -
41100 MODENA (Italy). E-mail: soldati@unimo.it
The
Summer-school will be organized from Sunday-evening 7 July, to Sunday-morning
14 July 2002. Introductory lectures and special guest lectures are concentrated
on Monday. Tuesday to Saturday are filled with excursions and partly with
evening programmes.
Certificates
for attending the UNESCO Summer-school will be provided by the end of the
course and will include 2 ECTS credits ('study points' provided within the
framework of the European Credit Transfer System).
Preliminary programme and time-table:
Sunday 7-7:
16.00-22.00 Arrivals, accommodation and informal meeting of staff and
participants.
Monday 8-7:
08.30-09.15 Registration of participants at the Vorarlberger Naturschau.
A
poster session will be presented
during the day, from 08.30 onwards.
09.15-09.45 Opening ceremony with representatives of the Government of
Vorarlberg, 'Stadt Dornbirn', Division of Earth Sciences of UNESCO, sponsoring
Firma Doppelmayr (Wolfurt, Vorarlberg), IAG and organizing institutions ('Voralberger
Naturschau' and 'RFASE').
09.45-10.00 Coffee-break, posters.
10.00-10.10 Short
introduction into the course-programme (President RFASE).
10.10-12.30 Introductory
lectures (25 min.+ 10 min. discussion each) :
10.10-
Friebe, G. (Vorarlberger Naturschau, Dornbirn):
- Regional
geology: Geolog. zones, stratigraphic table, cross sections.
10.45- De Jong, M. (RFASE, Amsterdam):
- Overview of
the glaciation history of the Upper Würm; sediment types.
11.20- de Graaff, L. (RFASE, Amsterdam):
- Pleistocene sedimentation patterns and valley glaciation models.
11.55- Van Westen, K. (ITC, Enschede):
- Geomorphological
inventory methods, including remote sensing and data processing by GIS.
12.30-13.30 Buffet 'in the house' offered by the Vorarlberger
Naturschau, posters.
13.30-17.15 Introductory and special guest lectures (25 min.+ 10 min.
each) :
13.30- Seijmonsbergen, H. (IBED, Amsterdam):
- Slope
instability and hazard zonation in
mountainous environments.
14.05- Reiterer, a. (director Wildbach- und
Lawinenverbauung, Bregenz):
-
Georisks in Vorarlberg.
14.40- Maier, B. (Forestry department 'Stand
Montafon', SE-Vorarlberg):
-
Protection function of forests and
subsequent forest management.
15.15-15.30 Coffee/tea-break. Poster session.
15.30- Cammeraat, E. (IBED, Amsterdam):
-
Mountain hydrology and carbonate/sulphate
karst.
16.05- Dramis, F. (Third University of Rome):
-
Travertine deposition and climate changes
in mountainous areas
16.40-17.30 Information
on the excursion/fieldwork-programme. Posters.
19.00- Evening dinner for staff members and
participants, offered by INATURA, (Vorarlberger Naturschau) in Dornbirn.
Tuesday 9-7
08.15-17.30 Excursion: Northern Bregenzerwald. Presentation by
Leo de Graaff & Mat De Jong, with contributions of Walter Bauer, Georg
Friebe, Else Kolströp, Harry Seijmonsbergen and/or others.
Topics: Tilted
and folded Molasse; glaciation history (Pleistocene sediment sequences and landforms); deposition of travertine,
hazard and risk analysis: active mass movements and prehistoric landslides.
Lunch: Self-service
in Egg (at own costs).
Dinner: Evening
dinner in the Kolpinghaus (drinks at own costs).
Wednesday 10-7
08.15-17.30 Excursion: Rhine
Valley (Plattenwald, Göfis/Feldkirch). Presentation Leo de Graaff & Mat
De Jong, with contributions of Kurt Czurda, Georg Friebe, Else Kolströp, Harry
Seijmonsbergen and/or others.
Topics: Helvetic
rocks, glaciation history, climate reconstruction, slope instability, landscape
preservation (a. o. ice-marginal terraces and dry valley systems; the
Late-Glacial record of Gasserplatz).
Lunch: Self-service
in Rankweil (at own costs).
Dinner: Evening dinner in the Kolpinghaus
(drinks at own costs).
19.15-21.15
Evening lectures in the Vorarlberger Naturschau:
This first lecture is English spoken on (preliminary
title): 'The selection, documentation and
preservation of geo-sites and unique landscapes in Europe'. The second is German spoken on a similar subject and open to
public. Presentation Dr. Marie-Luise Frey, Director of the Geopark Gerolstein,
Vulkaneifel.
Thursday 11-7
08.15-17.30 Excursion: Northern Walgau, Brandner Valley, Gamperdona
Valley. Presentation Leo de Graaff & Mat De Jong, with contribu-tions of
Georg Friebe, Jan Rupke, Harry Seijmonsbergen and/or others.
Topics:
Flysch, deep-seated rock creep,
glaciation history (Pleistocene interactions between rivers and glaciers:
related sedimentation patterns and the Walgau glaciation model: origin of the
valley fills of Gamperdona, the 'Bürser Konglomerat' etc.).
Lunch: Packed lunches will be provided by the
Kolpinghaus.
19.15-21.30 Reception/buffet (Landhaus, Bregenz) offered by the
Government of Vbg.
Friday 12-7
08.15-17.30 Excursion: Montafon (Upper Ill Valley). Presentation:
1) Friday morning, Harry Seijmonsbergen & Luuk Dorren (IBED-Amsterdam); 2)
Friday afternoon, Bernard Maier (forestry dept. 'Stand Montafon' with
assistance of the 'Wildbach u. Lawin. Verb.').
Topics: Slope stability and mass movements
(functioning of alpine forests, in general and in relation to slope stability
problems and avalanches; effects of skiing).
Lunch: A lunch will be offered by 'Stand
Montafon'.
Dinner: Evening dinner at own costs.
19.30-22.00 Evening meeting, evaluation and wrap-up. Certificates of
attending the UNESCO Summer-school will be provided to the course participants.
Saturday 13-7
07.45-18.30 Excursion: Ries crater (Nördlingener Ries: meteorite
impact crater: field excursion and museum visit). Presentation: Dr. Michael Schieber, director of the Rieskrater
Museum in Nördlingen.
Topics: Impact effects and morphological
development since the Miocene (impact ~15 MY ago, exposures of destroyed
crystalline rocks, formation of suevit, algae limestone and other Ries lake
deposits, etc.).
Lunch: Packed lunches will be provided by the
Kolpinghaus.
Sunday 14-7
IAG-Symposium, organized within the framework of the 'International Year of Mountains',
as officially declared by the UN. The programme is in preparation by the IAG
and will be forwarded later to the course participants.
Preparations for fieldwork will start from Monday
onwards (see next page).
N.B.!: Some of the excursion routes and fieldwork
activities may bring us in rough or wet mountainous terrain. Moreover, weather
conditions in the Alps may change rapidly. Therefore, next to a professional
field-geological outfit, an umbrella, weather-resistant clothes and
mountain-proof shoes are strongly advised.
FIELDWORK
Fieldwork will be organized for a limited number of persons attending the Summer-school (about 10-12). Fieldwork preparations will start immediately after this course and the IAG-Symposium on Sunday 14 July.
Costs
of living (accommodation, food, etc.) and local transport for the group of
persons taking part in fieldwork is not paid for.
Participants
in the Summer-school programme taking part in fieldwork, will work together with regular students from the
universities of Amsterdam and Uppsala. Guidance will be guided by various staff
members. Possible subjects (purely scientific or applied) can be within the
field of Quaternary geology, geomorphology, engineering geology, landscape
ecology, etc..
Geomorphological
mapping at large and very large scales is an essential element in field
research in Vorarlberg, but not everybody will be involved in mapping. The
entire programme will be arranged according to own wishes and research
proposals and may become a secondary subject, or main subject of study.
Therefore, it will be made possible for student participants also, to be partly
or fully guided by own staff members. Special arrangements, in principle, can
be made in advance with every individual taking part in the fieldwork
programme.
For
participation in fieldwork and further arrangements please contact Dr. A. C. Seijmonsbergen,
b/a IBED-Fysische Geografie (University of Amsterdam), Nieuwe Achtergracht 166,
NL-1018 WV AMSTERDAM. Tel.
0031-(0)20-5257427. E-mail:
A.C.Seijmonsbergen@science.uva.nl
Amsterdam - Dornbirn, 25 November 2001
|
More information: Dr. A.C.
Seijmonsbergen b/a
IBED-Fysische Geografie Nieuwe
Achtergracht 166 NL-1018 WV
Amsterdam, The Netherlands Tel: +31 20
5257427 |