In may 2010, a group of geography students of Heidelberg University headed towards Crete for a 2 week field trip under my aeagis. With regard to research topics, both Physical (geomorphology, soil science, vegetation) and Human Geographic aspects, such as demography, economy, and tourism were focused on. The vast mountain ranges of Crete, which reach altitudes of 2500 m asl, formed the major thematic framework in this context as they have an outstandingly long settlement history going back to the Bronze Age (1600 BC).
While trekking through Samaria gorge, one of Europe’s deepest valleys, visiting the impressing karst cave of Sfendoni or strolling around lake Kournas, the only body of standing fresh water on the entire island, the group experienced the nature of Crete in all its facets.
Heidelberg University students at Skinakas observatory (1800m asl)
During the second part of the trip, a field survey campaign was conducted in the Dikti mountains of East Crete. Several sediment-filled karst depressions were studied using special modern methods and applications, e.g. geophysical prospecting, terrestrial laser scanning, and vibra coring in order to contribute to the reconstruction of the landscape evolution. The relationship between man and environment during the last 4000 years was to be unraveled. Some results from my research in the surrounding parts of the Dikti mountains can be found here.
North coast of Crete as seen from Talea Ori mountains
Visit of Sfendoni cave, Ida mountains
TerraScientia 