EC&T in the Field

This course integrates theory and skills obtained in other courses in a real-world field setting. You will discuss properties, processes and links between different parts of the Earth system in a field setting, based on your own observations and measurements. The course revolves around a trip along the Meuse river, between the Belgian Ardennes and the Dutch Limburg. Before the trip, you will prepare for the excursion by collecting information and analyzing data from the field area. In the field, you gain real-world experience with topics related to the subsurface, surface, water, (paleo)climate and weather, as well as with relevant measuring techniques. The field trip itself consists of two components. First, in an excursion-style field trip, you will learn to observe and measure various components of the Earth system through exercises at excursion stops. Then, in a group project, you will focus on acquiring data, e.g. river discharge, geophysical measurements, GNSS profiles and a LiDAR based DTM. After the field trip, you and your group will process, analyze, visualize and interpret this data, and present your findings to other groups in a poster session.