Quaternary Study

Duration

20h Th, 2d FW

Number of credits

Lecturer

Alain Demoulin

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

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, 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.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

Ability to describe the history of the environmental changes and the resulting changing landscapes during the last 2.6 million years, and to understand the current environments within this evolutionary context.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Basic knowledge in physics, isotope chemistry, geology and geomorphology.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The ex cathedra theoretical course 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).

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

3-hour lectures during the 2nd semester.

Recommended or required readings

Lecture notes + PowerPoint files of the course available online (MyULg, students' portal). Guide book and related scientific papers distributed to the students during the field work days.

Assessment methods and criteria

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 about the field trips. In the September session, oral examination.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Contacts

A. Demoulin, Sart Tilman B11 Ph. 04.366.56.60 - Fax 04.366.57.22 - E-mail: ademoulin@ulg.ac.be

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