News from Teaching

After a one-year break, the Physiogeographic Field Practicum in the Enns Valley could again take place in face-to-face teaching. After three semesters of home learning due to COVID-19 regulations, this was a welcome change for students and teachers!

The first two days of the field practical were organized as excursions. The first day was dedicated to the Schladminger Tauern (crystalline), and the second day to the Dachstein area (limestone Alps) - including ice caves, Dachstein glaciers and on-site explorations of the various karst forms.

A total of 26 participants were then divided into six groups to work on their physiogeographical questions on relevant topics such as hydrology, geomorphology, soil science and vegetation in the respective study areas in the Schwarzenseebachtal (Sölktäler Nature Park). In order to locate soil samples or interesting geomorphological forms, point-precise surveys were carried out using GNSS. Likewise, geomorphological mapping, vegetation surveys and runoff measurements were carried out in the study areas. Especially the elaboration of various soil profile points turned out to be challenging in parts. The Kleinsölk valley was affected by an extreme event in summer 2010. A precipitation event with a three-hour rainfall total of about 180 l/m led to massive mudflows in the Schwarzenseebach valley. More than 10 years after the extreme event, the traces of this event are still visible. DI Markus Mayerl, expert of the Wildbach und Lawinenverbauung Land Steiermark, arranged an evening lecture of the past events and supported the students with broad expert knowledge.

A successful field practical, many thanks for the good time!