Soil, Dust, and Water Research in the Faculty of Geography in Marburg, Germany

Abstract

Both soil formation and soil genesis as well as soil degradation processes are traditional objectives of physico-geographical research at the Faculty of Geography in Marburg. Andic Cambisols and Technosols and their genesis belong to the seldom studied soil science aspects. Therefore the analyses of the influence of both Late Pleistocene volcanic ashes and of mining activities since the industrial period on soil formation and on specific soil features have been studied, west of Marburg, in the Lahn-Dill Mountains. Soil degradation processes and their effects on soil features have been studied with special focus on soil compactions and soil pollution by heavy metals and organic toxic components in soils of the Halle-Leipzig Lowland mining and industrial area. Recent analyses focus on microplastic components in floodplain soils of rivers in Hesse (Germany). Both phosphorus concentrations and dynamic were studied in acidic forest soils in the Burgwald region in Hesse (Germany) The spatial and temporal dynamics of atmogenic dust depositions have been studied around the desiccated Aral Sea (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan). River bed morphology analyses were carried out at different sections of the Lahn River in and near Marburg. Water deficit and water quality problems, as consequences of water withdrawal and climate change have been studies along the Zarafshon River (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan). Key words: Andic Cambisols, Technosols, soil degradation, microplastic in floodplain soils, phosphorus analyses in acidic forest soils, dust depositions around Aral Sea, water problems along the Zarafshon River.