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Weathering, soil formation and initial ecosystem evolution on a glacier forefield: a case study from the Damma Glacier, Switzerland

S. M. Bernasconi^* and Biglink Project Members

Geological Institute, ETH Zurich, Universitätstrasse 16, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland

^* E-mail: stefano.bernasconi{at}erdw.ethz.ch

ABSTRACT

The understanding of biogeochemical processes at the interface between geosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere is of paramount importance for many questions related to global climate and environmental change at very different time and spatial scales. In addition, soils are the principal resource for food production and the understanding of soil formation processes and biological interactions within soils is indispensable for the development of sustainable land-use strategies. In this contribution we present a research initiative, the multidisciplinary ‘BigLink’ Project, aiming at a better understanding of the links between weathering, soil formation and ecosystem evolution and how these biosphere-geosphere interactions are influenced (and themselves influence) climate and environmental change.