Participation in UNIS course AG-209, AG-222, and AGF-216 2024
ETH Zurich
Lay summary
Description of the programme
AG-209 covers the sedimentary and tectonics history of Svalbard. Svalbard has experienced interesting tectonics, and its stratigraphy hosts all kinds of sedimentary rocks from coal to carbonates, to clastic rocks, to bentonites and evaporites. AG-222 provides a variety of methodological modules, such as photogrammetry, GIS, and scientific presentation. The courses are designed to complement each other, which worked out perfectly. What we learned in one course we could often apply in the other. Both courses include fieldwork, organized and independent. UNIS faculty is young and very engaged.
How did you benefit from the programme?
UNIS has a variety of academic offers beyond the courses you choose: There are two evening courses about northern lights or the history of Svalbard, there are weekly Geolunches (like a small colloquium), and student organized iEarth lectures. Svalbard has cool outcrops, but they are often hard to reach (harsh weather, no roads), so careful planning is required. Field work provides many learnings: Learn how to plan flexibly because you always have to respect the conditions of changing weather. Learn how to operate safely and manage natural risks during fieldwork, such as sea ice, polar bears, or whiteouts on glaciers.
What were the highlights of the training?
Fieldwork on Svalbard was the highlight. It’s the combination of remote cabins, cold climate, and cool geology that make the extensive organization worthwhile. Going on private trips across the Spitsbergen island is also amazing, there are impressive glaciers, moraines, and outcrops to explore. Living in Longyearbyen is another personal highlight and has provided plenty of inspiration: many activities of the local community (sports, library, music, pubquiz, bike workshop …), in the student housing (skiing trips, cabin trips, kitchen parties), and at UNIS (classes, seminars, get-togethers).
Would you recommend the programme to other students?
I would recommend the courses to geology students who are looking for an introduction into polar sciences. The courses are quite broad, thus the geological concepts covered are not at a high level. Also, most (accessible) rocks are sedimentary, something to consider when applying. Nevertheless, it is great to get to know all the specialties of arctic geology and get familiar with polar fieldwork. If you already know which topics in arctic geology you are interested in, I recommend applying for the Masters courses, because they are more specific.
Details
| Regional focus | Arctic |
| Location | Svalbard |
| Funded amount | 1,500 CHF |
| Project dates | 8th January 2024 – 31st May 2024 |
| Category | Field and Summer Schools |