290393 UE Field methods in physical geography (Aquatische Ökologie) (2009S)

Aquatic ecosystems such as rivers and lakes are tightly linked with transfer processes of terrestrial ecosystems. Rivers and lakes obtain nutrients and potential contaminants mostly from their terrestrial catchments. Oxygen (O2), hydrogen (H2), as well as carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and other elements (e.g., N, Si, K, Na, Mg, Ca, Fe, ¿) are essential for all life in aquatic ecosystems. This course will provide integrative knowledge about the role of catchment processes for aquatic systems. Moreover, students will learn how interdisciplinary scientific approaches and methods provide results to answer questions of aquatic sciences. Students will comprehend the role of biogeochemical methods and understand the function of essential aquatic constituents and potential contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. Finally, this course will provide the conceptual groundwork for terrestrial-aquatic interactions of aquatic systems through classroom teaching, reading of scientific papers and field work.