Excursion to the High Mountain Research
Station of the University of Zürich
at Jöri Lake XIII, upper Vereina
valley/GR
for participants of the Goldschmidt
Conference 2002 in Davos, Switzerland
GEO-MICROBIOLOGY
Microbial life strategies
under harsh environmental conditions and
geochemical nutrient
scavenging in nutrient-poor high mountain lakes
Saturday, August 24,
2002
guided by
NORBERT SWOBODA-COLBERG & PATRICIA
COLBERG, University of Wyoming, USA
BARBARA SULZBERGER, EAWAG
Dübendorf
KURT HANSELMANN, University of
Zürich
High mountain lakes are ideal for the study
of adaptations of organisms to a variety of environmental extremes: water
temperatures are often near freezing, darkness under snow and ice lasts for many
months, UV radiation is strong during the summer months and nutrients are
scarce. One wonders how life has adapted to these challenges over time and yet
is constantly amazed at the strategies microbes have developed to cope with
these extreme conditions. The Microbial Ecology Group of the University of
Zürich, in collaboration with other institutions, is studying how
microorganisms respond and adapt physiologically to the complex interactions
between chemical, geological and atmospheric determinants in the lakes of the
Jöri catchment, thereby contributing to a worldwide effort aimed at
understanding evolutionary processes and the microbial diversity in extreme
environments.
The water in the 21 Jöri Lakes
originates exclusively from rain, snow and ice-melting, which makes them
interesting aquatic ecosystems for studies on erosion particles as nutrient
scavengers and the role of air–borne natural components and pollutants on
the chemical composition of the water.
We are looking forward to having as many
guests as possible on this excursion to the beautiful Jöri Lakes. We will
have opportunities to enjoy the beautiful landscapes with great views of the
Alps. Don’t forget your cameras!
****************************************************************************
Program
08:10 Bus departs from Davos Dorf, Station
RhB (reserved seats for excursion paticipants who have signed up in
advance)
08:27 arrive at Wägerhus (2207
m)
From here we will walk for about 2 1/2
hrs. to Jöriflüelafurgga (2725), climb along the Jörifurgga ridge
(2771 m) and down to the Research Station at 2638m.
11:00 Arrival at High Mountain Research
Station. Explanation of on-going research investigating the mineralogy,
geology and microbial ecology of the catchment. Time for lunch.
Return
13:30 Departure at Research Station for
Winterlücke (2767 m) and descent to Wägerhus (2207 m)
16:41 Wägerhus dep. by reserved
bus
17:00 arrive at Davos Dorf, Station
RhB.
Travel Group
travel will be arranged from and to Davos. Final meeting point is Wägerhus
at Flüelapass road (2207 m a.s.l.). There are enough parking places for
those who would prefer to drive with their own cars.
Decision In
case of unstable weather conditions, we will decide the evening before on
whether or not the trip can take place. The excursion will only take place if
the weather is acceptable.
Clothing Sturdy
hiking shoes, suncream and rain-gear are recommended.
Fitness 5
to 6 hours of walking on fairly good paths in mountainous terrain; climbing from
2200 to 2800 m and descending again. The final choice of the route will
depend both on the weather and the fitness of the participants. The path is
safe.
Insurance
is the responsibility of the participant. The guides cannot be held liable for
damages or lost items. Please do not leave the group.
Registration Please
register before the conference or sign up at the Conference desk before Friday
afternoon. We will make the bus reservations for all participants who request
it. Registration is still possible during the conference
Costs Fr.
16.- (10 US$), free for student participants. This includes bus ride from Davos
Dorf to Wägerhus and back. Please take your own lunch and enough to drink;
there are no restaurants along the path.
Preparation Friday
evening, 17:30 to 19:00 in the seminar room of the Swiss Institute of Snow and
Avalanche Research (SLF) at Flüelastrasse 11, Davos-Dorf. The organizers
will give a brief introduction to the area, show a short film on life under
water in a high mountain lake and outline on-going research projects.
Information Kurt
Hanselmann, Institute for Plant Biology / Microbial Ecology Group, University of
Zürich Zollikerstrasse 107, 8008 Zürich.
Tel.
++41 1 63 48284 or ++41 1 63 48211. Fax ++41 1 63 48204
or
Patricia J. S. Colberg, Environmental
Microbiology and Biogeochemistry Laboratory, Department of Zoology and
Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071-3166 USA. Tel: (307)
766-2777,
Please also consult the Microbial Ecology
Group News for last minute changes under