A virtual field trip to the Moiry Valley, Switzerland

The spectacular Moiry Valley in SW Switzerland is a fantastic location for students to learn about glaciers and glaciation. It features some impressively clear landforms, including striking evidence for glacier recession following the end of the Little Ice Age (c. 1850).

This session uses an immersive, ground-level virtual field trip from the University of Worcester to explore the Moiry Valley. Starting at the hydroelectric dam and continuing all the way up to the glacier, we will stop at various points to admire and interpret the landscape. There will also be a short presentation on recent glacier fluctuations in the European Alps, which provides some important context for the fieldwork.

This activity is suitable for anyone teaching glaciers and glaciation, from GCSE to A Level, although the editable worksheet (with answers) provided to participants is aimed at the upper level. 

This session will be presented by Dr Des McDougall, Principal Lecturer in Geography at University of Worcester. Des is a physical geographer with interests in glaciers and glaciation, mountain geomorphology, and Quaternary environmental change. He enjoys teaching and has particular interests in learning technologies, fieldwork, and virtual reality. An example of the work he has done in this area is his VR Glaciers and Glaciated Landscapes resource, which is used by a growing number of schools, colleges and universities around the world. He has also held various leadership roles during his time at Worcester, including Course Leader, Head of Department, Deputy Head of School, and Acting Head of School.