SGL-22306 Geology, Soils and Landscapes of the Rhine-Meuse Delta

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

This course provides an overview of the geology and geomorphology of the Rhine-Meuse Delta. Emphasis will be given to soil formation processes and soil-landscape relationships in order to understand this area. Specific attention will be paid to past and present linkages with land-use in the Netherlands.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- describe the major landscapes of the Rhine-Meuse Delta, with emphasis on the Netherlands;
- describe the major processes at the earth's surface that contribute to forming the soils and landscapes in the Rhine-Meuse delta;
- explain relationships between soils, landscapes and land-use;
- reproduce the major soil forming processes and give examples where they dominantly occur;
- identify dominant soil forming processes on the basis of soil-landscape properties that can be identified in the field;
- evaluate possibilities and limitations for agricultural and non-agricultural land-use on the basis of soil-landscape properties.

Activities:

- attend lectures, study book and field practical guide;
- field practicals in various landscapes of the Rhine-Meuse Delta.

Examination:

- the final mark is fully based on a written interim examination at the end of the course;
- presence during field practicals is compulsory. Lost days (not allowed) need to be followed in the next year (no mark);
- active participation in the field practicals is expected. In case of insufficient participation, the grade can be adapted (up to -10%).

Literature:

Jongmans, A.G.; Berg, M.W. van den;[et.al]. (2013). Landschappen van Nederland; geologie, bodem en landgebruik. Wageningen, NL: Wageningen. 2 dl. 942p. ISBN 9789086862139.
Field practical guide can be obtained a week before the start of the course at the WUR-shop.