Land degradation and restoration of severe degraded lands is among the most severe problem facing human kind. Soil erosion a widespread problem in Europe and is in fact greater in the Nordic countries than many realize, but is, by far, most severe in Iceland.
The Nordic countries allocate substantial resources for soil erosion research and measures and for development aid related to the problem of soil erosion and desertification remedies.
The aim of this course is to give students a comprehensive understanding of soil erosion, land degradation, and the scientific knowledge on means to stop erosion and restore degraded lands. The course is designed for students of environmental, natural, agricultural and related sciences. It is also quite suitable for Nordic students interested in work in developing countries. The course will also have a Nordic dimension by discussing the role of cryoturbation and geomorphology in soil erosion processes and address open lands and range lands, in addition to cultivated land.
Erosion processes in Iceland is extremely active. Land degradation takes on many forms which make the location ideal for environmental study of this kind. Iceland boosts the oldest operating soil conservation agency in the world, with a history full of lessons about ecosystem restoration that can be applied on other parts of the world. The course includes extensive field trips using Iceland as a natural laboratory with nature experiences.
Course topics include:
Soil erosion. Processes (wind, water, gravity, cryic processes and geomorphology), how is erosion identified and mapped. Erosion research (wind and water).
Land degradation. Includes both soil and broader ecological and socio-economical aspects of land degradation in the world. Degradation processes, ecosystem functions and losses. Grazing and land degradation. Desertification and the UN-CCD.
Land restoration. Basic principles of restoration ecology. Halting soil erosion and the restoration of severely degraded land. Restoration research in severely degraded land.
Other topics covered (directly or in relation to other topics):
Carbon sequestration and land restoration. Synergies (relationships) between UN-global environmental conventions (Climate Change, Biodiversity, Sustainable Development, Desertification etc). Geomorphology field study. Volcanism in Iceland. The unique volcanic soils of Iceland. Geomorphology of cold areas.
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