Speakers
Description
The Upper Harz was one of the most important mining regions in Germany. Smelting of copper ores from the Harz probably started during the Bronze Age. Copper, silver, lead and iron ores were widely used especially during the late Middle Ages. The ores were taken to heavily forested areas for smelting, since far larger quantities of charcoal than ore were required for smelting. This meant that mining quickly had an impact on the forest in the Upper Harz. The fieldtrip will present some insights into the mining industry in the Harz Mountains and its impact on the vegetation.
The first stop will be the Samson Pit, located in Sankt Andreasberg. It is counted among the most significant mining monuments in Europe. From 1521 until 1910, silver ore in particular was mined here. The Samson Mine is part of the Upper Harz Water Management System, which was declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2010. Here we will provide you information on impact of mining on the vegetation evidenced by charcoal and pollen records from mountain region.
Afterwards we will go to the lakes Juessee and Seeburger See located at the foothills of the Harz. Here we will present vegetation history of the region since the late glacial.
Start: 9 a.m. sharp at the parking of Faculty of Geoscience and Geography
Costs: c. 10-12 Euro for museum entrance in Samson Pit.
Finish: about 2 p.m.
small snacks may be provided
