Geochemistry of a High Mountain Watershed of the Rhein river and

Field trip to the

High Mountain Research Site of the University of Zürich

at Jöri Lake XIII, upper Vereina valley/GR

for participants of the Geochemistry Course at the University of Konstanz and interested guests

Friday-Saturday, 13-14, July

(in case of bad weather, alternative date 20 – 21, July)

guided by Kurt Hanselmann

The water in the lakes of the Jöri watershed originates from rain, snow and ice-melt which makes the lakes interesting aquatic ecosystems for studies about the role of air–born natural components and pollutants on the chemical composition of the water. Some of the lakes contain erosion particles with surface reactivities which alter the chemical water composition. On the excursion, we will collect water samples for chemical analysis in the geochemistry lab, but we will also have opportunities to enjoy beautiful landscapes and great views into the alps.

High mountain lakes offer ideal sites to study organisms adapted to a variety of environmental extremes. At high altitudes, water temperatures are near freezing, darkness under snow and ice lasts for many months, UV-radiation is strong and nutrients are scarce. One wonders how life has adapted to these challenges and one is constantly amazed at the strategies microbes have developed to cope with extreme conditions. The microbial ecology group of the University of Zürich is studying questions related to microbial life strategies in the lakes of the Jöri catchment, thereby contributing to a worldwide effort aimed at understanding evolutionary processes in extreme environments. During the excursion we will learn how microbes respond and adapt physiologically to the complex interactions between chemical, geological and atmospheric determinants.

We are looking forward to having as many course participants and their guests as possible attend the excursion.

***************************************************************************************

Program

Friday noon	Arrival of participants at Davos and visit of the Snow and Avalanche Research Institute
18:30	Dinner together at the Hotel
20:00	Preparation of field trip at the hotel, topographic map Davos 1197, 1:25000 Introducing theme and program of the field trip

Saturday

06:30	Breakfast and checking out of the hotel
07:55	Departure from Station Davos Dorf by postal bus. Surplus luggage may be left in the accompagning car
08:12	Arrival at Wägerhus, begin ascent
10:15	Arrival at High Mountain Research Station. Work and sample collection in the watershed of lake XIII
11:30	Descent: Group 1 will descend via lakes XII and I, continue down the Vereina valley to Klosters and collect water samples along the Vereina and the Landquart river (people who would like to take the bus from Bergghaus Vereina to Klosters should make reservations at Gotschna Sports Klosters Tel 081 422 11 97, well in advance). Group 2 will descend via lakes XVII to XX, XIV, III and X and will return via Jöri-Flüela-Furgga to Wägerhus, also collecting watersamples along the way.
17:00	Back at Klosters Platz, station RhB. Pick-up of luggage and departure for Landquart – Konstanz

Travel Train or private car to Klosters and Davos Dorf

Clothing Sturdy, water-proof hiking shoes, suncream, hat and rain-gear are recommended. Since we will walk over snow it is advisable to have waterproof leggings with you. Please pack your own lunch and enough to drink for Saturday’s excursion. The excursion will only take place if the weather conditions are favourable.

Fitness 5 to 6 hours of walking on fairly good paths in mountainous terrain and over snow; climbing from 2200 to 2800 m and descending again requires physical and psychological stamina. The final choice of the route will depend on the weather and the fitness of the participants.

Housing Please contact a hotel of your choice or the Pension Buel in 7252 Klosters Dorf where we normally get a special price for our excursion participants. Included in the price are: room (double occupancy), breakfast, evening meal, service and taxes. Please contact the hotel at 081-422-26-69 (Fax. 081-422-49-41) as a group directly, identify yourself as a member of the Jöri-Excursion group with Kurt Hanselmann if you intend to make use of the special offer, and make your own reservations as soon as possible. Please pay the costs to the hotel management directly.

Insurance is the responsibility of the participant. Please check your emergency mountain rescue insurance (REGA-membership in Switzerland).

 

***************************************************************************************

Registration

Geochemistry Excursion, University of Konstanz

to the Jöri Mountain Research Station

on Friday - Saturday, 13/14, July or 20/21, July*

Name ....................................................................................................................................................

Address..................................................................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................................................................

Tel.: O:.............................................................. P:................................................................................

e-mail

......................................................................................@....................................................................

Number in party ...............

I made reservations at hotel ....................................................................................................................

*In case the excursion will be shifted to take place on July 20/21,

I will still be able to participate O

I will not be able to participate O and will cancel my hotel reservation personally

Please send, phone, fax or e-mail before 12, July to Kurt Hanselmann, Institute of Plant Biology – Microbiology, Zollikerstrasse 107, CH-8008 Zürich, Phone ++41 1 63 48 284 or 63 48 211, Fax ++41 1 63 48 204, hanselma@botinst.unizh.ch