The Limburg Landscape
Full course description
The landscape of Limburg, like any other landscape, displays a variety of features. Some of these reflect the human endeavor to adapt the landscape. For instance, there has been a clear impact in the province from the moment that Neolithic farmers arrived in these parts around 4000 BC. Other features represent a natural evolution of the landscape on a scale of (tens of) millions to several thousands of years to very recent. Distinct features are the geology, the variety in landforms and different climatic conditions. The combination of these geological, geomorphological and climatic factors has endowed the province with its own characteristic wealth spanning from the current botanical variety to Mosasaurs. Topics covered in this skills training include the geological history of Limburg, characteristics and management of the riverine landscape of the Maas, the practice of nature conservation and the ecology of different types of South Limburg forests. As part of this skill, you will also gain more in depth knowledge of the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software.
Course objectives
The landscape of Limburg is unique in the Netherlands, especially the Southern part. In terms of botanical and geological diversity but also in terms of elevation the province has a clearly distinct profile from the other provinces in the Netherlands. While studying at Maastricht University you occupy this landscape and are surrounded by its distinct attributes. The main objective of this skills training is to familiarise you with the biological characteristics and geological history of the province so you can understand the evolution of its natural landscape.
Prerequisites
- PRA2009
- A good quality bike to make field trips
Co-requisites
- None
Recommended reading
This skill will use solely primary literature as a basis for the tasks. No text book is required.