University of Liege | Version française
Study programmes 2008-2009Last update : 29/06/2009
GEOG0207-4  Quaternary and global change studies
Duration :  30h Th, 2d FW
Credits/ECTS :  
Bachelor in geographical sciences, general orientation, 2nd yearDeuxième quadrimestre4
One-year preliminary programme leading to the Master in Geographical Sciences, Climatology orientation3
Holder(s) :  Alain Demoulin, Michel Erpicum
Language :  Langue française
Course contents :  Partim "Study of Quaternary". The course is divided in thematic chapters: dating methods, volume variations of the icecaps, glacio-eustatic variations of the sea level, glacio-isostasy, response of the hydrographic networks to climate variations, paleomagnetism, Quaternary lithostratigraphy, palynology, animal paleontology, archaeology, climatic variations recorded in the oceanic and ice cores, causes of the glaciations. Where possible, priority is given to Belgian examples, both for stratigraphy and geomorphology.

Partim "Global Changes". The course is structured in thematic chapters : effects of the relations Earth-Sun, oceans/continents distribution and general atmospheric circulation on climatic mechanisms. Variations recorded by sets of instrumental climatic data (availability and comparison), measurements and estimates of gases for purpose of greenhouse effect, anthropic pressure on the environment and their effects on the climatic disasters and damage to environment.
Course objective :  Partim "Study of Quaternary" : it aims to describe the history of the environmental changes and the resulting changing landscapes during the last 2 million years, and to put the current environments within this evolutionary context.

Partim "Global Changes" : it aims to retrace the evolution of the climates on the Earth surface during the last 2 centuries and to specify the impacts of the anthropic activities on the modifications of the current environments.
Prerequisites :  Basic knowledge in physics, isotope chemistry, geology and geomorphology
Workshops :  The theoretical course, partim "Study of Quaternary" is supplemented by two 1-day field trips including: a) study of loessic stratotypes (Hesbaye); b) geomorphology, sedimentology, paleontology and archaeology (La Belle-Roche) in the lower Amblève valley; c) lithalsas in the Hautes Fagnes area; d) Quaternary evolution of the Warche river (Ardenne).
Organization :  3-hour lectures during the 2nd semester.
Written notes :  Partim "Quaternary geology" : lecture notes, guide book for the field trips, + copy of the PowerPoint files of the course delivered to the class delegate by A. Demoulin.

Partim "Global Changes" : notes and sheets distributed to the students by Mr. Erpicum.
Assessment :  Partim "Quaternary geology": written examination, with special emphasis on the maps and diagrams of the PowerPoint files. The students are allowed to use their own notes to answer questions regarding the field trips.

Partim "Global Changes" : a two hours duration written examination.

The numeric evaluation is single and each partim intervenes for 50%.
Contacts :  Partim "Quaternary geology" :
A. Demoulin, Sart Tilman B11
Ph. 04.366.56.60 - Fax 04.366.57.22 - E-mail: ademoulin@ulg.ac.be

Partim "Global Changes" :
M. Erpicum, Sart Tilman B11
Ph. 04.366.52.21 - Fax 04.366.57.22 - E-mail: michel.erpicum@ulg.ac.be
Remarks :  PROFESSORS:
Partim "Quaternary geology" : entrusted to A. Demoulin for 3 years by the Department of Geography.
Partim "Global Changes" : entrusted to M. Erpicum for 3 years by the Department of Geography


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