Environmental change - from Ice Age to global warming

elective courses
optional courses

Basic knowledge of computer programs such as MS Excel and graphic programs (eg Corel Draw) can be helpful.

Classroom

Chronostratigraphy of Quaternary, main methods of research of environmental change (geological, geomorphological, palaeobotanical, geochemical, archaeological, absolute dating etc.). The importance of climate fluctuations and human economic activity in environmental changes - recognition of records.

The subject Environmental change - from Ice Age to global warming consists of lectures (6 h), field work (6 h) and practicals (18 h).

During the course there will be presented such topics as:

Lectures: Chronostratigraphy of Quaternary, main methods of research of environmental change (geological, geomorphological, palaeobotanical, geochemical, archaeological, absolute dating etc.). The importance of climate fluctuations and human economic activity in environmental changes - recognition of records.

Field work: Site description. Geomorphological and geological mapping. Methods of drilling and taking the samples. Core/sediment description.

Practicals/laboratory: introduction to laboratory analyses - sedimentology, geochemistry, dendrochronology, palaeobotany. Sample preparation. Performation of selected analyses (grain size, loss on ignition, carbonates contents, pH, SEC, tree rings, microscopic wood anatomy, etc.). Presentation and interpretation of obtained results.

1. Maher B.A., Thompson R.(eds.), 1999, Quaternary climates, Environ-ments and Magnetism, Cambridge University Press, 1-390.

2. Anderson D.E., Goudie A.S., Parker A.G., 2007, Global environments through the Quaternary, Oxford University Press, 1-359.

3. Goudie A., 2006, The human impact on the natural environment, Blackwell Publishing, 1-357.

Completing the subject will allow the student to learn about the changes in the natural environment that took place in the Quaternary and were caused by climate change and human economic activity. The student will be able to recognize the record of the evolution of the natural environment in the diversification of geological structure and sediment features. On the base of the variability of the lithological and geochemical features, the student will be able to distinguish the main phases of human economic activity in the past. The student will also get knowledge about the methods of drilling, description geological cores and samples for analysis and basic sediment testing methods.

To pass the course: submition a 6-8-page report presenting the reconstruction of changes in the natural environment caused by climate change and human economic activity.

The report is based on available data (from maps/books) and/or results of various analyses done during the practicals.

2 absences are permitted during the course.