GE478 Fjord Processes

Contents and structure

The Fjord processes course involves both abiotic and biotic processes that dominate in fjord ecosystems. Students are introduced to basic hydrography, focussing on the physical processes and the chemical properties that dominate in fjord waters. Connections are made with nutrient flows, biological production, and biodiversity at all ecosystem levels, from microorganisms to marine mammals. With a basic understanding of the ecosystem dynamics, and the natural variability in time and between different fjord systems, impacts from climate change, pollution, and other anthropogenic stressors are also discussed.

A major part of the course is a dedicated Science project that integrates topics and methods from the whole From Mountain to Fjord program. A local waterbody/fjord is selected as a case. Actual environmental challenges are investigated using a suite of methods tracing environmental signals from the sediments, through the water column back to their marine, terrestrial or atmospheric sources. The results are presented in a public seminar, where problem owners, local management authorities, and others are invited.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The student should

• know and describe the most important hydrographical processes in fjords
• understand and describe how fjord hydrography is influenced by natural processes and different topographies
• recognise and have basic knowledge of the dominating fjord biota, and the ecological interactions between them
• understand and discuss how climate change, pollution, and other anthropogenic activities can impact fjord ecosystems
• know how fjord sediments and sediment biota can be used to reconstruct environmental change
• know how abiotic and biotic factors can be used to assess ecological and chemical conditions in fjords, and how such data is used by the management

Skills

The student should be able to

• use hydrographical and biological sampling equipment to investigate fjord ecosystems
• analyse and interpret hydrographic, chemical, and biological data from fjords
• use different methods to identify fjord organisms
• use different methods to assess ecological and chemical (pollution) conditions in fjords
• reconstruct environmental change from signals in fjord sediments and sediment biota

General competence

The student should be able to

• read and understand scientific reports and papers on fjord hydrography and fjord biology/ecology
• work in teams and answer to interdisciplinary environmental topics
• combine methods to plan for and analyse research questions
• communicate and present research, analyses, and conclusions clearly, both written and orally

Entry requirements

90 ECTS within earth sciences, or environmental sciences, or life sciences, or similar study directions at the time of application (15th of April for international students).

Recommended previous knowledge

The course builds on GE476 Geological Aspects of Western Norway and GE477 Glaciers and Ecology.

Teaching methods

The teaching methods include lectures, seminars, field excursions, laboratory exercises and project work.

Students must be prepared to pay for their own food during fieldwork and excursions, according to the HVL rules and regulations on accommodation and travel expenses.

Compulsory learning activities

To qualify for the final exam, students need to have approved

• one written report from a field excursion (group)
• one presentation of a scientific paper (group) 
• one text on an optional fjord process topic (individually)

Attendance at excursions and laboratory exercises is mandatory.

Assessment

40%: Written examination under supervision (2 h multiple-choice test). Grading A-F.

60%: Oral group examination.Grading A-F. 

Examination support material

A dictionary in the student's native language is allowed during the multiple-choice test.

More about examination support material