Field season is finally here!
From 5th to 8th June, 15 B.Sc. students joined the Eifel field trip to explore the volcanic landscape and learn about the Quaternary Volcanism in the Eifel region, the petrology and geochemistry of the SiO2-undersaturated volcanic rocks and formation and deposition of pyroclastic deposits.
This year’s Eifel field trip, led by PhD student Anne Sturm, placed a strong emphasis on Volcanology: Characterization of maar and scoria cone deposits, eruption dynamics and processes, and tephrostratigraphy of the Quaternary Eifel Volcanic Field.
Throughout the excursion, the group visited many active quarries that provided exceptional 3D-exposures of volcanic structures. These outcrops offered valuable insights into the formation of scoria cones and maars (and everything in between). The group explored some of the youngest centers of the West Eifel, including the Daun Maars or the Ulmener Maar, tasted naturally sparkling water from mineral springs and enjoyed picturesque views during lunch breaks at maar lakes. Of course, we also visited some scenic outcrops in the East Eifel, related to the famous and devastating Laacher See eruption 13.000 years ago.
Through hands-on experience in logging tephra sequences, drawing 3D-profiles, and mapping structural components of volcanic edifices, the students were able to apply theoretical concepts directly in the field. These practical exercises helped develop a deeper understanding of eruption dynamics across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales.
Lastly, we gratefully acknowledge the support of the DVG and Eifel mining operators (Fa. Zieglowski, Fa. Lava Stolz, Helmut Leyendecker and Jörg Otten) for providing access to their quarries and making this field trip possible.
