Geological excursion Eglisau (ZH)
Event Date
The molasse and the last ice ages on the Irchel
Event Details
Language of the event
German
The Irchel, located between the Töss and the Rhine Rivers, is one of the most studied sites for a better understanding of the history of the last glaciations in northern Switzerland. On its summit, there are the so-called «Höhere Deckenschotter», a succession of glaciofluvial, glacial and fluvial sediments, which were deposited during at least four glaciations at the beginning of the Pleistocene. The hill, meanwhile, is composed of Upper Marine Molasse and Upper Freshwater Molasse.
During this excursion, the molasse as well as the gravel dating from the ice age, will be presented as we visit a few outcrops, while enjoying this magnificent hilly region around the confluence of the Töss and the Rhine Rivers.
Useful information
- Meeting point: Bus stop Teufen ZH, Unterteufen, 8427 Teufen (map.geo.admin.ch).
- Finish point: Bus stop Dättlikon, 8421 Dättlikon (map.geo.admin.ch).
- Time: 9:45 am to 4:45 pm.
- Walking time: 5 hours. 500 m ascent, 450 m descent. Distance 12 km.
- Language: German
- Guide: Hans-Rudolf Graf (Co-author, Map 179 Eglisau of Geological Atlas of Switzerland 1:25,000).
- Equipment: Good walking shoes, clothing suitable for cold, wet and/or sunny weather. Take along a picnic lunch in your backpack.