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The Dynamics of Alpine Environments - ENV00026H

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  • Department: Environment and Geography
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. David Rippin
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Module summary

This module will provide students with a unique opportunity to study a range of aspects of high Alpine environments, including glaciers, rock glaciers, rivers, vegetation development and ecosystems, as well as how these key elements of the environment. Interact. The work will be carried out in the Ötztal Alps in Tyrol, Austria. It will be based in the Alpine Research Centre in Obergurgl (owned by the Universität Innsbruck).

The module will be based around five separate field-days, and will be bookended by coach/ferry travel from York to Obergurgl and back. Field days will focus on studies of the following:

  • Glaciological processes and changes on the glacier: Rotmoosferner.
  • Dynamics of rock glaciers, focussed on the Hochenbenkar rock glacier (maybe SfM).
  • Fluvial hydrological processes.
  • Soil and ecosystem development.
  • Vegetation zonation.

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

This module will provide students with a unique opportunity to study a whole range of processes and landforms that characterise high alpine environments. The module will build on practical experience gained in previous field-studies in the 1st and 2nd years, but will also introduce some more advanced techniques for studying the environment. Learning through field-work is an important part of studies carried out in physical geography – the ‘hands-on’ experience provided is an important complement to theoretical studies carried out back home. Carrying out such fieldwork in an exotic location provides a unique experience, and the Austrian Alps in particular will enable students to experience and study environments not accessible within the UK.

Module learning outcomes

Successful students will develop:

  • The ability to apply methods and techniques learnt in a new fieldwork setting.
  • The ability to collect and critically analyse a set of physical data, and where appropriate, select numerical approaches and techniques appropriate for the purpose.
  • To keep accurate field-notes, demonstrating the ability to synthesise multiple data-sets while in the field.
  • To write project reports based on data collected in the field, demonstrating the ability to pull practical and theoretical information together coherently.
  • To write a scientific-paper on one of themes developed during the fieldtrip integrating field observations, and current research literature.
  • An ability to critically evaluate the physical processes operating in high alpine environments.
  • An ability to effectively and fluently present original thoughts and concepts based on the relevant literature in a range of formats.
  • An ability to access relevant scientific information from a variety of different sources and relate this to observations made in the field.


Generic Employability Skills

The module will provide students with a very specific range of skills and abilities related to the fields of glaciology, volcanism and environmental change.

More, generic skills that will arise from this are:

  • Ability to devise methodologies for collecting relevant data.
  • Ability to give oral presentations supported by visual aids.
  • Ability to work in a group.
  • Ability to think critically about research methods.
  • Development of independent research skills.
  • Problem analysis and task prioritisation.
  • Time management.

Module content

Field course:

  • Day 1: Depart York by coach, travel via ferry to a location France/Germany for overnight stay.
  • Day 2: Continue journey and arrive in Obergurgl, Austria. Settle in. Briefing presentation.
  • Day 3: Investigating glacial processes and changes on the glacier Rotmoosferner, through the use of lichenometric techniques.
  • Day 4: Investigating soil and ecosystem development.
  • Day 5: Investigatng hydrological processes of an alpine river catchment.
  • Day 6: Investigating the dynamics of rock glaciers, focussed on the Hochenbenkar rock glacier (maybe SfM).
  • Day 7: Exploring vegetation zonation.
  • Day 8: Depart Obergurgl and arrive at stop-over location in France.
  • Day 9: Complete journey back to York.

Lectures

  • Lecture 1: A reminder of work done and explanation of remainder of module assessment.

Computer practical classes

  • Practical 1: Introduction to additional data-sets and help with projects.
  • Practical 2: Trouble-shooting class and assistance with projects.
  • Practical 3: Trouble-shooting class and assistance with projects.
  • Practical 4: Trouble-shooting class and assistance with projects.

Requirements

  1. This module involves 9 days fieldwork (including travel).
  2. You will be required to travel by coach and ferry and stay overnight in shared accommodation.
  3. You will spend much of the time outside and in an environment that can be cold or warm, wet or dry, and so you must be prepared for all eventualities.
  4. Obergurgl is located at nearly 2000 m altitude. All field-locations are higher than this. You will also be required to travel over terrain that at times may be steep and moderately difficult, often for several miles per day. Students taking part in this module need to be prepared for these conditions.
  5. This module involves field work beyond the United Kingdom and it is your responsibility to ensure that you possess a valid passport and obtain any visas that may be required.
  6. Students taking this module will be required to contribute approximately £1000 towards the cost of this module. However, this covers all travel, accommodation and subsistence during the course. The exact cost will be made known to students at a later date. Additional expenditure will be necessary to cover the purchase of adequate outdoor clothing, if not already owned.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay : Scientific Paper		 N/A 60
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Group Presentation		 N/A 40

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Essay : Scientific Paper		 N/A 60
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Group Presentation		 N/A 40

Module feedback

Feedback on the assessment will be provided throughout. Oral feedback will be given on presentations while in Austria, as well as in detailed written form subsequently. Detailed, specific written comments will also be provided on field-books, and also on the 3000-word write-up. Detailed comments giving generic information on good practice, relevant to the whole class, will also be provided and disseminated via the VLE.

Indicative reading

Benn D. and D.J. Evans. 2010. Glaciers and Glaciation (2nd edition). Hodder Education, 816pp

Bennett M.W. and N.F. Glasser. 2009. Glacial Geology: Ice Sheets and Landforms (2nd edition). Wiley-Blackwell, 400pp

Francis and Oppenheimer. 2003. Volcanoes. OUP Oxford. 536pp

Holden, J. 2010. An Introduction to Physical Geography and the Environment (2nd edition). Prentice Hall.

Hubbard, B. and N.F. Glasser. 2005. Field Techniques in Glaciology and Glacial Geomorphology. Wiley-Blackwell, 412pp

Knight, P.G. 2009. Glacier Science and Environmental Change. Wiley-Blackwell, 544pp

Maizels and Caseldine. 2013. Environmental Change in Iceland: Past and Present (Glaciology and Quaternary Geology). Springer. 333pp

Siegert, M.J. 2001. Ice Sheets and Late Quaternary Environmental Change. Wiley-Blackwell, 248pp

Journals

  • Journal of Glaciology
  • The Cryosphere
  • Nature
  • Science
  • Geografiska Annaler
  • Journal of Geophysical Research
  • Progress in Physical Geography
  • Remote Sensing of the Environment


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.