Geometry, chronology and dynamics of the last Pleistocene glaciation of the Black Forest

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Frank Preusser
• Subject Area: Palaeontology ; Physical Geography
• Term: from 2019 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 426333515

For a detailed reconstruction of the atmospheric circulation during the last ice age in Europe, smaller ice caps and glaciers have to be considered. The aim of this project is a comprehensive reconstruction of the last glaciation of the Black Forest, according to the current, internationally accepted research approaches.The main research question of this project is:"When did the glaciation of the Black Forest reach its last maximum?"The answer to this question will have crucial implications for the atmospheric circulation during the Late Pleistocene. Establishing a chronology of glacier fluctuations using geochronological methods requires extensive labour, which is the core of this project. In addition, the already published findings on glaciations are summarised and supplemented by own work (remote sensing and field work). This will allow for a palaeoclimatic interpretation of the findings.The project is divided into four work packages:1) Review of the existing data and creating a representation of the glaciation using a LIDAR-based elevation model.2) Analysis of glacier characteristics by detailed geomorphological mapping of key areas and sedimentological studies of glacial deposits.3) Establishment of an independent chronology with terrestrial cosmogenic nuclides and OSL dating of rock surfaces and large clasts.4) Reconstruction of the ice geometry and dynamics of the last maximum extent and subsequent retreat stages using different approaches, including comparison with other palaeoclimate archives.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: France, Sweden, Switzerland
• Cooperation Partners: Professor Didier Bourlès; Dr. Natacha Gribenski; Dr. Sven Lukas; Dr. Irene Schimmelpfennig