This block seminar introduces students to core concepts of physical geography, focusing on hydrological, climatic, and geomorphological processes that drive environmental risk. In alignment with Module 3, the course emphasises the analysis of global and regional connections in ecosystems and landscapes, as well as the influence of human activity on natural systems. Students investigate runoff processes, flood generation, drought dynamics, fluvial geomorphology, catchment hydrology, and landscape evolution. These scientific foundations are connected to contemporary environmental challenges such as extreme precipitation events, riverine flooding, water scarcity, soil degradation, and land-use impacts. Using the 2021 Ahrtal flood as a central case study, the seminar examines how climatic extremes interact with landscape characteristics and human modifications to produce catastrophic impacts. A comparative analysis of hydrological crises in the Sahel and Horn of Africa broadens the global understanding of water-climate-landscape interactions. Through hands-on geomedia work—QGIS, satellite imagery, Google Earth Pro—students conduct spatial analyses, model flood risk scenarios, and visualise landscape vulnerability. The seminar also explores how these analytical techniques can be adapted for school geography teaching, supporting competence-oriented approaches to physical geography learning. Overall, the course combines scientific input, analytical exercises, and team-based project work. Students complete a group assessment project that extends beyond the two contact days into guided independent study.
- Lehrende/r: Emmanuel Eze