Photo On October 1, we hiked the . The Essay: purpose of the hike was not only to fulfill class objectives but to better grasp the landscapes and Hoher the surrounding areas and to understand geography from a physical setting. On this hike, I learned about Dachstein glaciers, the shrinking of glaciers, vegetation, topography, and aspects Melanie Goulding • related to these. 10.04.2016 Formation of Glaciers

Overview: Dachstein is the second highest in the northern limestone . It consists of karst topography and is a series of peaks that stretches for miles. The top elevation is just under 3000m. Bottom landscape: Lower elevations are fit for more vegetation. Higher landscape: Rocky. Karst and limestone consistency. To provide some background, the formation of glaciers begin to form when snow accumulates over years and eventually turns into ice. Each year new layers form thus pushing old layers down creating glaciers. Ultimately this forces the snow to re-crystalize. Over time the glacier remains in a state between ice and snow. But, this process typically takes about one hundred years. Then the glaciers can take on a specific landform such as a U-shape, striations, or trim lines. The size is heavily dependant on the amount of snowfall each year. Additional Info Shrinking Glaciers Many individuals believe The status of the three glaciers the that the burning of fossil , the Hallstätter and the fuels and buildup of Schladminger have shrunk this year greenhouse gases are from 50 centimeters to a full meter causing change that each year and unfortunately the Alps would happen in geologic are the worst to be hit time, we are seeing each year, being worse than happen in a human because they are lower. lifetime. Also, when glaciers melt it raises the This picture illustrates the shrinking sea levels thus affecting of the glacier. In previous years the our drinking water and glacier used to cover miles out, but beaches. increasing temperatures and global warming, these glaciers have shrunk and will be gone within the next 40-80 years. Karst Topography

Karst topography requires the presence of rock which is capable of being dissolved by surface water or groundwater. Other rocks commonly found within the karst regions are limestone and dolomite. These areas can have both an above ground and underground drainage component. Another aspect that comes along with karst topography is sinkholes with the collapse of shallow as we saw along certain points of our hike. This picture illustrates the mass amounts of limestone and karst landscapes. These areas are so rich with this landform that astronauts used it to practice for journeys to Mars. Ultimately, the dense amount of karst topography can be attributed to the receding of glaciers, because when these glaciers melt it leaves limestone and dolomite behind etc. Dachstein Hiking

Here in Europe, the style of living is much different than that of the United States. Here we can attribute hiking to a healthier lifestyle in relation to geography and mortality rates as well. Dachstein is a well marked and popular site for hikers and mountain bikers. This picture proves the mass amounts of trails and outdoor activities to do while in Europe. Ultimately the Europe population enjoys a far-above-average life expectancy because of the emphasis on outdoor life and easy accessibility to not only trails but everyday life activities. Vegetation

The Dachstein mountain range is not home to very many plants and vegetation. On our hike we saw very limited amounts of plants and flowers. Above 2,000 meters the alpine flora has to survive on limestone scree or in exposed areas. Scree is a collection of broken rock fragments that has accumulated through periodic rockfall of adjacent cliff faces. Typically, you see patches of alpine grassland and an increase in the number of cushion and pioneer plants. That means flowers survive on damaged ecosystems. A cushion plant is a low growing, mat forming plants made to endure harsh conditions. Here in this picture we can see there are very limited alpine and cushion plants to our far left and far right. Navigating the Dachstein This picture shows the effort and tools needed in order to hike effectively and safely. In relation to geography, in order to navigate these terrains you must be educated about map reading and using a compass correctly. Europe's well-educated population proves this because if you get 09.05.XX 9.17.XX 10.13.XX lost10.20.XX you cannot simply pull11.01.XX out your GPS because there is no service. This is not the case if you have another handheld device with proper maps. But it will come at a price. Map reading is essential to orient yourself and to distance treks that may look closer than they appear. Some other navigation techniques include dead reckoning, terrain association, altimeter navigation, route selection and observations. When hiking being aware of your surroundings is key. Wealthy Population: Hiking

Geography attributes one of its aspects to wealth. In terms of hiking, it is not inexpensive. The gear required includes a bag, boots, poles, tickets for cable cars up and down, hikers huttes, and food and water. Here in the standard of living is relatively high. These pictures prove that an individual who is on that poverty line cannot afford to hike. With cable cars costing up to thirty euros, it is a hefty weight on the wallet. As hikers, there are efficient ways to save money and still enjoy the mountains. This goes along with a well-educated population, saving money when purchasing equipment is in the long run, a good investment and there are ways to get around these prices, such as saving up money and planning. Closing Statements This picture showcases the extensive amounts of karst topography. In this picture we need to remember that this landscape is because of the receding glaciers that once covered miles out.

These two pictures mark the biggest difference in the landscapes, the bottom is filled with vegetation while the top is limestone and dolomite. ● "Dachstein West." Verrechnungsstelle GesbR, n.d. Web. 4 Oct. 2016.

SOURCES

REFERENCES